THE full cast of a Colchester theatre's revival of an Oscar Wilde classic has been revealed.
The Mercury Theatre is preparing to stage a performance of beloved comedy The Importance of Being Earnest.
According to the venue's creative director, Ryan McBryde, the well-known tale will be given “a stylish makeover”.
Gillian Bevan, known for playing Gina Hope in BBC’s Holby City, Claire Hunter in Channel 4’s Teachers, and Theresa May in Channel 4’s The Windsors, will play the Role of Mrs Bracknell.
Richard David-Caine and Harrie Hayes, meanwhile, who joined CBBC’s Horrible Histories in 2016 and 2019 respectively, will portray Jack Worthing and Gwendolen Fairfax.
Elizabeth Bower, known for playing Dr Melody Bell in the BBC’s soap opera Doctors, will portray Miss Prism.
Susannah Van Den Berg will portray Lane / Merriman, Mateo Oxley will be Algernon Moncrieff, Claire Lee Shenfield’s character will play Cecily Cardew and Martin Miller's character will be the Rev Canon Chasuble.
Mr McBryde praised Mr Wilde for creating a timeless "mirth inducing masterpiece".
He added: “We’re working with designer Katie Lias to dispel the myth that Earnest is a fusty, dusty Victorian period piece.”
“We’re envisaging our version of Earnest as a bright, colourful and vibrant English fantasia embracing a retro chic aesthetic.”
More information can be found at mercurytheatre.co.uk.
as it opens the theatre’s 2024 season running from March, 1 to 16.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here