THERE is nothing quite so delightful as sitting back in a theatre seat to enjoy an evening of Oscar Wilde's sparkling wit and storytelling.

The Importance of Being Earnest is in safe hands with Ulverston Outsiders, with their clear diction and secure lines making it easy for the audience to relax.

Adam Atkinson and Duncan Lindsay both have a handle on their characters, Algernon Moncrieff and John Worthing, Adam is at home with Wilde's dialogue and Duncan has an appealing flair for comedy.

Claire Boulter and Hannah Mitchell partner them well as Gwendolen and Cecily, Claire nicely prim and Hannah deliciously girly.

Jenny Schofield is a masterly Lady Bracknell, commanding the stage without slipping into pantomime or trying to overdo those famous lines.

Helen Newell, in a perfect hat, is a joy as Miss Prism and leaves the audience in no doubt about her feelings for Canon Chasuble, who is played by a real character actor, Richard Harris.

David Coles and Seamus Doran play the butlers in the two households with the correct "we are invisible" demeanour.

The opening night at the Coronation Hall was a bit static, but Outsiders have nothing to worry about with this production. The characters are well cast, beautifully dressed and the audience is getting the jokes.

Director Rob O'Hara has laid out the story clearly, which doesn't often happen with this play.

Sorry, but the sound effects are awful and the screen doesn't work - by that I don't just mean the technical glitch.

First nights are always a gamble, but with a bit more confidence and attack Outsiders will have a real hit on their hands.

Review by HELEN WALL

  • The Importance of Being Earnest runs at the Coronation Hall, in Ulverston until Saturday March 25. Tickets are available from the venue's box office