New era for old play

An outdoor play about The Importance of Being Earnest. Cameron Buchanan (Algernon) lords over Jazzy Axton (Cecily) and Arumia Hayles (Gwendolyn). Photo/supplied

Suzy Sampson is sure Oscar Wilde would have approved of her shifting The Importance of Being Earnest from late Victorian times to the Art Deco era.

"I thought it would be fun to set the play in this era, it matches the frivolity of Wilde's 'trivial comedy for serious people' which was his subtitle for The Importance of Being Earnest," the director says.

The era has a glamorous element to it which goes remarkably well with the story, she says.

Suzy's production company Twice as Good Productions is bringing the Oscar Wilde classic to the beautiful outdoor garden setting at The Elms for this year's outdoor summer production.

Switching to the 1920s also provides an opportunity to showcase the beautiful era costuming sourced by Suzy.

"When it came to costuming I wanted to bring an element of authenticity and provide the audience with an exceptional visual feast so I have sourced original garments from the 1920s."

Four of the beaded and sequinned dresses (two of Lady Bracknells', Cecily's pink dress and Miss Prism's brown one) have come from London, New York, Paris and Minneapolis.

The fragile costumes were painstakingly restored and strengthened by Suzy's partner and fashion designer Richard Moore (Richard also restored and restyled furniture in the play).

The play is a farcical comedy about two good friends who create a fictitious persona that helps get them out of things they'd rather not do. Suzy says the play is a bit of a poke at the elite.

"I think Oscar Wilde was taking a little bit of the mickey out of the aristocracy. It has some of his greatest one-liners in it, some that are still used today."

Suzy knew The Elms would be perfect for the production.

"Most of the play takes place in a garden and I love that The Elms has that historic element to it, it's a beautiful backdrop," she says. But outdoor settings can be challenging. All props and decorations have to be put up and taken down that night, thanks to volunteers. And you're always taking a chance with the weather.

She also gives thanks to the cast of nine who are giving up their summers to dedicate to the play.

Suzy is an established actor, producer, director and tutor with a long list of acting credits to her name, one of which is a touring award winning one-woman show Shakespeare's Will as Anne Hathaway.

the fine print
What: The Importance of Being Earnest
When: Until February 11
Where: The Elms
Tickets: Ticket Direct