READING Repertory Theatre has announced the staging of an acclaimed play this spring as well as a new collaboration with a returning director in a one-man show.
The Rep is set to bring Micheál Mac Liammóir’s The Importance of Being Oscar back to the stage in May.
The production will also see the return of director Alastair Whatley to the stage, after having last appeared in the 2017 production of Invincible in New York.
The Importance of Being Oscar explores the life of Oscar Wilde, set in the hallowed walls of Reading Gaol.
It features excerpts from some of the author’s most celebrated works, such as An Ideal Husband, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest, and The Ballad of Reading of Gaol.
Paul Stacey, Founding Artistic Director of Reading Rep Theatre, said, “It is truly extraordinary to be producing The Importance of Being Oscar for our stage in May.
“To be doing so against the backdrop of Reading Gaol where Wilde was once incarcerated, and where much controversy has occurred over its sale, seems particularly poignant.
“To be collaborating with Mike Fentiman again after the success of Jekyll & Hyde, is an amazing opportunity as is being able to co-produce with the brilliant Original Theatre.
“The unique convergence of talent and history promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved.”
Artistic director Alastair Whatley said: “After a gap of what feels like the better part of a decade I am delighted to be returning to Micheál Mac Liammóir’s extraordinary play.
“I performed this piece as a younger man all over the UK and Ireland and the memory of that experience has long stayed with me.
“Returning to Oscar with such an extraordinary team around me and performing in the shadow of Reading Gaol with the brilliant team at Reading Rep behind it, meant it was just too good an opportunity to let pass by.
“To that end, I’m thrilled to be collaborating with director Mike Fentiman once again–just this time as an actor.”
The Importance of Being Oscar is coming to Reading Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, from Thursday, May 23, until Saturday, June 8.
There are signed shows as well as relaxed and reduced-capacity performances.
Tickets are available via: readingrep.com/the-importance-of-being-oscar/
