Alastair Whatley’s engaging and thought provoking performance as Oscar Wilde captures the audience’s attention from start to finish.
It is always quite something to take a person’s story and transform it into a concise and fascinating theatrical experience – particularly when it comes to a well known figure such as Oscar Wilde. However, actor, director, writer and designer Michéal Mac Liammóir (1899-1978) has done this extremely successfully – even if it is just a tad too long and the pacing is slightly over the place.
Literally taking us through the rise and fall of Oscar Wilde, it really feels timely to reprise this intelligently written and researched play particularly in regards to the way in which LGBTQIA+ rights have come under closer scrutiny (and abuse) in recent years. The second act in particular packs a powerful punch as Wilde’s time imprisoned and the loss of everything he held dear including his children is heart wrenching to hear through his own words.
Part of the cleverness of the way in which this one man show is constructed is the way in which Liammóir perfectly incorporates Wilde’s own words – whether it is poetry or moments from plays such as The Importance of Being Earnest or An Ideal Husband – alongside monologues that give insight into the main events of his life.
It does have to be said that the first act feels slightly rushed in the way it seems to rush through the key aspects as to how he become well known, while the second act as powerful as it is slightly more indulgent despite making terribly clear the injustice of the trial that Wilde underwent . That isn’t to say that the change of tones doesn’t pack a powerful impact, highlighting just how quickly life can change.
In addition, it could also be said that the running time is slightly too long and could be tightened up more to make for a more concise 90 minute show (the interval feels unnecessary) and feels a little too scholarly in places.
Yet, it can not be denied that that overall this makes for a fascinating and in many places lively theatrical experience that is filled with heart. This is mainly because of Alastair Whatley’s detailed and well thought out performance. He understands Oscar Wilde completely and how to deliver many of his most famous words – including a scene from An Ideal Husband that offers plenty of flamboyancy and wit, while his rendition of The Ballad of Reading Gaol which feels particularly raw and powerful.
Meanwhile, the lighting design by Ben Jacobs offers a beautiful contrast to the different aspects of Wilde’s life: the first act is wonderfully warm and celebratory of his rise to fame, while the striking contrast in the second act in which the limited and haunting lighting captures beautifully how isolated Wilde was in the later stages in his life, offering great emotional depth.
Overall, The Importance of Being Oscar is a wonderful experience for those who wish to be closer to the spirit of Oscar Wilde but the tone and pace can feel a little bit over the place that can be disorientating. Despite this, there is plenty to enjoy about this production – particularly Alastair Whatley’s performance that keeps the audience engrossed with every word that is spoken.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️