In any outdoor theatre production, venue is the key – get the venue wrong and the production is bound to fail. What a fantastic decision it was then, for Suzy Sampson (Director, Producer and Founder of Twice as Good Productions) to choose to set her production of The Importance of Being Earnest at The Elms Historical Homestead, near the Tauranga CBD. I am embarrassed to admit to being one of those locals (thirteen years now in the BOP) who have never actually been to the Elms before – always meant to, never quite made it, though I drive past it almost every day. I now vow to return, bring the kids, wander its luscious gardens during the day.

For this evening performance, the main homestead makes an almost magical backdrop as the sky fades through twilight into starry night and gentle purple stage lighting illuminates the house.

As it says in the programme “I’m sure Oscar Wilde would approve” of setting the play in the 1920’s, rather than the 1890’s when it was written. The backdrop would fit any stage in that time-line, but the 1920s setting allows for another of the striking elements in this production – the elaborate, authentic costumes – especially the women cast members, who all look elegant and shimmer in the light in their gorgeous dresses. 

The men’s costumes aren’t quite as striking but strong performances from both male leads (Cameron Buchanan as Algernon Moncrieff and Micheal Hayles as John Worthing) distract from that fact. There is a lovely chemistry between the two of them, fast-paced sparring only occasionally lagging in energy.

This is true of all the main cast: at times they are garbled, at others the timing is perfect. Jazzy Axtons’ Cecily Cardew only really comes into her own in the scene where she squares off against Gwendolen Fairfax (a part handled with style by Arumia Hayles).

The shining delight in this play is of course, the imposing, domineering Lady Bracknell, handled well in this production by Sarah Bate. This is the third show I have seen in the last year featuring this actor and I’m warming to her – she certainly has moments of brilliance as Lady Bracknell. I feel I’d like to see her earthed more thoroughly as an actor though, especially in this sort of character role, as a certain tendency to wave her arms around distracts from the solidity and force this role requires. I’m looking forward to seeing more of her in future shows.

As with all out door shows, sound is a big issue. I am happy to see the cast are mic’d as the Elms site backs onto a motorway and the Sulphur Point on-ramp, and there are many moments during the show when the sound of sirens and boy-racers on a Friday night threaten to drown out the show. The actors cope well with this noise but alas, the mic’s do not, with some scenes dominated by sound system failures. I hope they sort this out as the season continues. The show must go on however and it does, with full enthusiasm!

I do recommend coming to see this production – bring a cushion, a blanket, and insect repellent (though beautifully dressed assistants have plenty on hand to offer during intermission if you forget) and while you can bring your own picnic or order one, there is plenty of food and drink available on site. 

The Importance of Being Earnest is on until February the 11^th.

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