Queerguru’s Ris Fatah reviews The Importance of Being Oscar, a timely revival of Michael Mac Laimmoir’s 1960 monologue about the legendary poet and pl

The Importance of Being Oscar *****
Original Theatre @ Jermyn St Theatre. London 

The Importance of Being Oscar is the timely revival of Michael Mac Liammoir’s 1960 monologue about the legendary poet, author, playwright and all-around queer dandy/activist, Oscar Wilde. Directed by Michael Fentiman and brilliantly performed by the flamboyant Alastair Whatley, the show has its latest incarnation at London’s cosy Jermyn Street Theatre, literally a stone’s throw in St James from where Wilde’s most famous work, The Importance of Being Earnest, debuted on stage 130 years ago.

Whatley charts the glorious rise of Wilde in the 1890s who attained celebrity status and sold-out theatres with his works which include An Ideal Husband, The Picture of Dorian Grey and The Happy Prince and other Tales. Then, in 1895, Wilde has a fall from grace as the result of a conviction and two-year prison sentence for gross indecency due to his homosexual activity with a partner, Bosie. Whatley’s performance is touching and heartfelt – the story is as relevant as ever as queer people all over the world still suffer for their sexuality, in many cases in a worse situation than Wilde found himself in all those years ago. Particularly touching is Whatley’s portrayal of Wilde’s angst and grief as he loses access to his two children. It’s not all tragedy, however, and Wilde’s joyful, quirky, larger-than-life personality is given equal billing, both before his court case, and after – in his push-back against the hostile world around him as he reconnects with his chosen family once out of prison.

The script is rich and I can’t think of a better person to perform this part than Whatley, who single-handedly energises the stage for over two hours in a very charismatic, flawless manner. His poise and timing is perfect, as is his attire, and he conveys all of Wilde’s emotions with a slick fluidity. Important storytelling – rich, warm and resolutely relevant.

Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant  (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah