A fantastically written and enormously impressive piece of theatre
The premise of “…Earnest?” is, quite frankly, terrifying to anyone involved in theatre. To invite one audience member up to perform a classic text with no rehearsal period is intimidating. To invite several sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Not to the cast and crew of “…Earnest?”, which takes this impossible challenge and succeeds to an extreme. At the beginning of Oscar Wilde’s play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” it becomes quickly clear to the actors: the lead actor, playing Jack/Earnest, hasn’t shown up. The director decides that the only solution is to get a member of the audience to fill in for the titular character.
What follows is a hilarious unfolding of the play, as one by one, actors get drunk, sick, or injured, forcing more and more audience members to get involved. Every single actor present does a frankly phenomenal job of ensuring the real show — not Wilde’s! — goes on without a hitch. From prompting the audience members into positions to responding with brilliantly quick wit to the audience members’ responses, it was truly impressive. Their ability to work with random audience members was wonderful to see — to perform a show that goes deliberately “wrong” should be recognised for the skill, precision, and professionalism that it takes to make happen.
There was not a single member of the audience left straight-faced or uninvolved. Even those who didn’t end up onstage remained immersed in the action and an important part of the performance. Given choices to pick who takes over as certain characters, holding up cue-cards, and cheering when things go right, it is impossible to feel disconnected from the show as it unfolds.
Beyond the hilarity, “…Earnest?” was a genuinely heartwarming show. It was delightful to see audience members start off timid and unsure onstage, only to grow into themselves and embrace the chaos of acting. So many people lose their ability to play pretend when they leave primary school, and “…Earnest?” recaptures that sense of fun without ever feeling too childish. A must-see for everyone- the cast and crew of “…Earnest?” should be recognised as the professional and very talented people the show proved them to be.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Underbelly, George Square
Dates: 6th — 30th August
Time (run): 3:45pm (75 mins)
Ticket prices: £18.50 (full), £16.50 (concession)
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Content notes: Fake vomiting and audience participation. Suitable for ages 12+.