Following on from the very successful Wizard of Oz in November 2022, PRS returned once again to
Ponteland Memorial Hall, staging an excellent production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being
Earnest. Feedback from audiences across the four performances has been overwhelmingly positive
with everyone thoroughly enjoying the comedy, the excellent ensemble cast as well as the period
costumes and set. Director Philip Bowell can quite rightly feel proud of what audiences have
described as ‘a really great take on the classic script’.
Praise has come from all quarters for our two leading men, Adam Shaw playing the long-suffering
Ernest/Jack and newcomer to PRS, Mike Giblin, playing the blithe and debonair Algernon Moncrieff.
Audiences loved the nuanced performances, the comic timing and the believability of the relationship
between the two characters as presented on stage.
Our two leading ladies, Hayley Grant playing Gwendolen and Amber Covington playing Cecily, also
received praise for their two very different but equally entertaining performances. Hayley’s practiced,
self-centred and worldly Gwendolen provided a perfect foil for Cecily’s romantic imaginative,
spontaneity.
No ‘Earnest’ is complete without a powerful performance from the play’s antagonist, Lady Bracknell,
and Caroline Reynolds, who took on the iconic role, did not disappoint! Audiences were unanimous in
their delight at Caroline’s grand matriarchal portrayal – especially in some of the classic lines around
the ‘handbag’.
Real life husband and wife team Jason and Claire Long managed successfully to bring the upright
governess Miss Prism and prudish rector Frederick Chasuble to life with audiences enjoying the
hilarity of their ‘will they won’t they’ romance as a middle-aged couple.
Every production takes a whole unseen ‘cast’ of many and Director, Philip Browell, was keen to thank
Prompt Lesly Eltringham, Set Designer John Eltringham and Props Supervisor Ruth Browell, as well
as the many members of the public who donated props, vegetation and also helped front of house.
Looking forward, PRS have a full calendar of events for Summer and Autumn 2023 and tickets
for all of the next 3 events can be purchased now. The company is
also shortly to cast for its Autumn pantomime, Disney’s Beauty The Beast and anyone
interested in taking part (either on stage or off!) can find audition details on our FB, Instagram
or website.