Showing @ The Brunton, Musselburgh on Sat 10 May only @ 19:30 (touring)
‘I am one of those who are made for exceptions, not for laws.’ These empowering words were uttered by literary genius Oscar Wilde during his unjust trial at the peak of his career. Written by Wilde’s only living grandchild Merlin Holland and John O’Connor and directed by Peter Craze, this delightful and historically accurate production transports one back to the sexually discriminatory England of 1895.
On the 14th of February The Importance of Being Earnest premiered, only to be cancelled a few short weeks later when the playwright’s sexuality became the subject of a criminal investigation. With a cast of only three, an impressive portrayal of Wilde (John Gorick) ensues, accompanied by an array of different characters entertainingly played by Rupert Mason and William Kempsell. Split into two acts, we see Wilde attempt to sue his lover’s malicious father only to be prosecuted himself for the so-called “crime” he continually denies.
A self-confessed Wilde enthusiast, Craze has created a well-researched production. The titular protagonist is a theatrical and homosexual icon and is globally known as a witty, intelligent and extremely talented man, and with the script having been based on the court’s transcripts these characteristics seep into the text. Wilde’s facetious responses evoke laughter while his painful expressions when lying raise sympathies for his plight. Gorick’s sterling portrayal makes one want to stand and applaud mid-scene as he dramatises the writers’ views on human behaviour; one’s personality cannot be defined and should not be altered by society. The minimalist set allows a focus on the powerful script, inspiring a reflection on Britain’s current views on homosexuality. It’s truly stupefying that it’s taken over a century for these boorish Victorian views to be relinquished and same-sex marriage legalised.