Pointers for ... The Importance of Being Earnest!

Below there is a similar thread started by a fiyero about the role of Javert, and I hope a new trend has not started, but every performer should be seeking to improve himself, and getting advice is always an excellent way.

So I am playing Jack Worthing (the REAL Ernest) in the Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde. If anyone has seen the show, been in the show, or played this role and has any opinions, suggestions, comments about the show and Jack's character and his interaction with other character etc., please post. I'm very eager to get as much advice I can about the character.

What I have going so far is this: I see Jack kind of as a clash of personalities. He is very dignified, but naturally so; he does not try hard to be respectable; he has natural social poise. I see him as quite likable. Him and Alge have probably been friends for some time; they're sort of like the odd couple -- opposite personalities, yet still great pals who enjoy each others' company.

However, I also imagine Jack to have an emotional, moody side. He is quite naïve about women (among other things), and he often lets his emotions get the best of him. He feels very protective of Cecily. He is ridiculously in love with Gwendolen.

I play the role as comedy. I'm serious when I think Jack should be, but I hate it when the show is done so seriously that's nothing is funny, because the character can be big and hilarious but still retain that Victorian respectability, and that's what I'm trying to do.

However, my director keeps giving me the tip that I need to act a little older (the guy playing Algy is 3 years older than I am), but I'm sort of at a loss on what specific things to do in order to act older. I think as rehearsal continue, my oldness is naturally progressing, but if anyone has tips for mature acting when you're pretending to be someone half your age, please comment.

Thanks very much to anyone who can help, and sorry for the long post

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If you want some help, try watching the movie with Colin Firth as Jack. It's not the same as watching it as a show, but it'll probably be quite helpful for character.

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This may sound like the strangest piece of advice this side of 'never mix aspirin and Coke', but here goes.

Get a corset. Rehearse in the corset. It will change EVERYTHING.

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Is there something wrong with aspirin and Coke? My drink of choice...

Anyway...

I have read that Earnest is a 'perfect play'. The words are all there and all you do is play them. It isn't actor-proof but it is all there on the page. The construct of the play is just very well done. Listen to what everyone is saying and react as well as act. There's no need to get overly busy. Let the play speak.

Don't 'play' comedy. Everything is slightly larger than life, but very serious in comedy. Serious does not mean tragic or some other synonym however, and do not let the audience know you are in on the jokes. Even Lady Bracknell, a scene stealing gorgon as ever was, has to be grounded somewhere.

Timing is all.

"Dying is easy. Comedy is hard." So said the great character actor Edmund Gwenn on his deathbed.

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Algernon was my favorite role to play. I love his mischeivous ways. As for Jack...he is the more mature one, which is probably why your director is telling you to play him older...especially, if Algy is older than you, as Algy is a bit immature...smart, but immature.
As for watching the movie...never do that to get a sense of the character. Think of it this way: When the original actors created these roles, they did not have a movie to watch. Just as well, this should be your creation of the role.
It's a fun show - defiantely one of my fave's to have been in, and would LOVE to have an opportunity to play Algy once again.

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