December 18, 2009
What a delight it was to leave the freezing night outside and enter into the warmth of The North Wall arts centre in Summertown. There we were able to enjoy Tomahawk’s (www.tomahawktheatre.co.uk) delightful production of one of Oscar Wilde’s classic plays, The Importance of being Earnest.
It was the perfect antidote to concerns about Christmas presents not yet purchased, unfavourite relatives shortly to be visited, and (in my case) central heating that refuses to work. It is a crackerjack of a play, from which brilliant sayings burst forth at will:
“Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?”
"I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance.”
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train.”
But it is more than just a collection of bon mots. It is also a well crafted play, with mistaken identities, three love stories and opportunities for the cast to spread their wings. Indeed one of the strengths of the production was the uniformly high quality of the acting, without anyone wildly upstaging the others.
The North Wall itself is one of my favourite venues in the area, different and intimate, and this really is a perfect pre-Christmas treat. In addition, there is Salma Caller’s intriguing exhibition “Intricate Tales” to enjoy while you have an interval drink. Do go!
It was the perfect antidote to concerns about Christmas presents not yet purchased, unfavourite relatives shortly to be visited, and (in my case) central heating that refuses to work. It is a crackerjack of a play, from which brilliant sayings burst forth at will:
“Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?”
"I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance.”
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train.”
But it is more than just a collection of bon mots. It is also a well crafted play, with mistaken identities, three love stories and opportunities for the cast to spread their wings. Indeed one of the strengths of the production was the uniformly high quality of the acting, without anyone wildly upstaging the others.
The North Wall itself is one of my favourite venues in the area, different and intimate, and this really is a perfect pre-Christmas treat. In addition, there is Salma Caller’s intriguing exhibition “Intricate Tales” to enjoy while you have an interval drink. Do go!