English Touring Theatre (ETT), Leeds Playhouse and Rose Theatre announced the cast for Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest directed by Denzel Westley-Sanderson. The cast includes Phoebe Campbell (Cecily), Valentine Hanson (Merriman/Lane), Joanne Henry (Miss Prism), Daniel Jacob (Lady Bracknell), Adele James (Gwendolen), Abiola Owokoniran (Algernon Moncrieff), Anita Reynolds (Dr. Chasuble) and Justice Ritchie (John Worthing). The production opens at Leeds Playhouse on 8 September, with previews from 5 September, and runs until 17 September, before touring to Cambridge Arts Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre, Northern Stage and Liverpool Playhouse before culminating at Rose Theatre on 12 November.
Oscar Wilde’s genius humour meets contemporary culture in a theatrical roller-coaster packed with shade, wit and plenty of gags.
The ‘2021 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award‘-winner, Denzel Westley-Sanderson breathes fresh new life into Wilde’s sharpest and wittiest comedy. This is a classic satire, vibrantly retold about dysfunctional families, class, gender and sexuality.
Phoebe Campbell plays Cecily who’s television credits include House of The Dragon. The Importance of Being Earnest is her professional theatre debut. Valentine Hanson plays Merriman/Lane, Joanne Henry plays Miss Prism, Daniel Jacob plays Lady Bracknell. Daniel has gained international recognition as his Drag Queen alter ego Vinegar Strokes, for which he has appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Adele James plays Gwendolen, Abiola Owokoniran plays Algernon Moncrieff. The Importance of Being Earnest is Abiola’s professional debut. Anita Reynolds plays Dr. Chasuble and Justice Ritchie plays John Worthing.
Director Denzel Westley-Sanderson trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, has been part of the Resident Directors’ pool at the Almeida Theatre, and was previously director of the CTC Dance Company. His theatre credits include directing Identity (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), which won the award for ‘Exciting New Work’ at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, co-director on Jesus Christ Superstar – The Concert (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), and associate director on Dick Whittington and Small Island (National Theatre). Denzel has also worked with the Participation team at the Donmar Warehouse on several schools’ project across London.
The Importance of Being Earnest plays at:
Cambridge Arts Theatre
20 – 24 September
Box Office: 01223 503 333 / www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
New Wolsey Theatre
27 – 1 October
Box Office: 01473 295 900 / www.wolseytheatre.co.uk