It is no surprise that the last major performance of A Woman Of No Importance was back in 2003. This is just a play for those interested in the history of theatre, or ticking a box for an Oscar Wilde production. I have never seen the cinema so empty for a live screening.
That is not to say there is some merit and humour in this revival by Dominic Dromgoole. The first half is extraordinary in that it is a succession of comments on life as seen by the aristocracy, most of which are absurd. Wilde is trying to find a witticism in every line. A few work, lots do not.
The second half is pure melodrama and the fact that it's fine is all down to Eve Best. Her Mrs Arbuthnot only appears towards the end of the first half, but the second is her's. She somehow, unexpectedly, breathes fire, anger and love into her woman scorned.
Anne Reid is also very good as hostess Lady Hunstanton. Her singing in the quaint musical interludes between acts is exceptional. I also liked Emma Fielding as Mrs Allonby and Dominic Rowan as the caddish Lord Illingworth. Maybe not the best Wilde play to start a new season.
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