SNAIL INCORPORATING THE OLD STRATFORDIAN SPRING 1978“The Importance of Being Earnest” Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” was performed by pupils of KES. and the Girls’ Grammar School at K.E.S. on 14th, 15th and 16th December. ‘The director was Miss Pat Friday, and the cast was as follows: Lane, Nigel Forrester; Algernon Moncrieff, Wayne Summers; John Worthing, Cosmo Corfield; Lady Bracknell, Coriona Corfield; Gwendolen Fairfax, Claire Corrigan; Cecily Cardew, Nichola Pennycook; Miss Prism, Susan Wild; Rev. Cannon Chasuble, Robin McKelvie; Merriman, Julian Harris; Maids, Sally Court, Susan Thornley, Amanda Young, Katrin Meir, Fiona Kennedy. The play was acted against a fine, authentic set, ably created by Mr. D. G. Dyson, Mr. R. Hawkins and the stage staff. The most noticeable characteristic of the acting was the detailed attention given to facial expressions, gesticulations, and movements around the stage. Outstanding among the performers was Coriona Corfield as Lady Bracknell. She played the part maturely and convincingly. Other members of the cast who deserve commendation are Cosmo Corfield, Wayne Summers, Susan “Wild, Claire Corrigan and Robin McKelvie. Nichola Pennycock, as Cecily, was uncertain at first, but gained confidence as the play proceeded. Good timing is an essential quality of comic acting. The timing in the scenes between Algernon and Ernest (John Worthing) wasjustright, but, in thescene at tea between Gwendolen and Cecily, the timing was often awry; this scene obviously needed more rehearsing. On the whole, the wit and comedy came over very well. The audience laughed heartily, which was proof that the players were doing their job. Actors should remember that, if the audience does not laugh, it is the fault of the actors, not of the audience. It is the actors’ job to make the audience respond - on this occasion, the cast did this admirably. P.B. Three scenes from “The Importance of Being Earnest” on following pages 49Herald Press, Stratford-upon-Avon