REVIEW: The Importance of Being Earnest at Milton Keynes Theatre

The Importance of Being Earnest

The main premise of the play is that we are watching a rehearsal of an amateur production of the Importance of being Earnest. This theme quickly gives way to a straight production of Oscar Wilde's most famous play.

With Sian Phillips as Lady Bracknell, this performance was utterly majestic and very funny. From the word go, the production completely lives up to Oscar Wilde’s witty, running commentary of Victorian Life and society at the time.

This new production, all about a pair of bachelors attempting to pursue two ladies, is directed by Lucy Bailey and boasts many famous faces such as Rosalind Ayres, Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis and Christine Kavanagh. The pace and timing of the show was brilliant, accompanied by not only fantastic actors, but also a stunning Victorian set.

Having first appeared in The Importance of Being Earnest in 1982, Nigel Havers was just as brilliant and excited about the performance. He really did fit into his role as Algernon Monclief so well, and worked seamlessly alongside his famous co-stars.

There is still time to catch this play as it's on till Saturday at MK Theatre.

DEBBIE HALL

A Victorian Family Christmas @ Milton Keynes Museum

Starting tomorrow, Milton Keynes Museum will be home to a Victorian Christmas- every weekend through December. A great era to celebrate Christmas in, there will be a great selection of Victorian treats and attractions to help you get into the festive spirit.

From carols to crafts, there's be something for everyone to enjoy at the museum. Keep an eye out for Queen Victoria who you're sure to see around, don't forget to bow or curtsey if you do see her!

Santa can be visited in his grotto with his elves, you can enter the parlour and enjoy some carols by the fire, and visit the Chapel where there'll be old Christmas film footage shown.

In the school room there will be Christmas arts and crafts for you to enjoy, and there'll be an indoor Christmas market full of local arts and crafts stalls. Visit the street of shops to experience times gone by, and stop at the pub for a pint of beer or glass of wine.

There'll be refreshments including warm mulled wine, served by the Butler, and hot chestnuts in the Blacksmiths forge. You can also toast yourself a slice of bread at the kitchen range in real Victorian fashion. In the granary cafe there'll be a selection of homemade mince pies and cakes, hot chocolate and more.

From tomorrow this Victorian Christmas weekend will be open from 4.30-7pm on Fridays and 1.30-6pm Saturdays and Sundays. Open 5th-7th, 12th-14th, and 19th-21st December.

Tickets are £22 for a family, adults £7.50 and concessions £6.

Visit the website for directions and more information.

Dickens of a Christmas- 1 week today!

One of the events which the town of Olney is most famous for is here again! Dickens of a Christmas is an annual event where a taste of Victorian England comes to Olney. Thousands of people come to the event each year, to enjoy a festive day in Olney with something for all the family.

This year's Dickens of a Christmas takes place next Sunday, the 7th December, from 10am-4pm.

There'll be the traditional market on the Market Place, and a Farmers market at Yardley Road. As always, there will be a number of craft fayres, at the Bull Inn, Carlton House Club, Olney Centre and Church Hall.

People will be dressed in outfits from the period, to really make you feel like you've been transported back in time. There will be a variety of entertainment throughout the day, from the brass band, choirs, Punch and Judy at the museum and more.

Santa's grotto is another main attraction of the day, as well as a traditional fair in Silver End. The reindeers will be back at fountain court following their appearance last year, where you can stroke and even feed them.

Parking will be available at Emberton park with a park and ride bus to take you to the main event.

Dickens of a Christmas is a great day out, and is a great opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping from the stalls of unique merchandise as well as support a number of local charities. Come and experience Victorian England at Christmas!