Review: THE IMPORTANCE Original Studio Cast Recording

Originally staged in 1984, The Importance remains the only musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest to run in London. After a limited run here, the production found a new lease of life in Peterborough two years later under a different title, Born in a Handbag. This recording has been a labour of love with over twenty years in production and is being released by Stage Door Records at the end of this month.

This production was recently brought to my attention by Radio Woking's Sunday Show Tunes who played the catchy 'I Must Write That Down Before I Forget' a couple of weeks ago. I was pleased upon receiving the album soon after this, that this is only one of many good numbers on the recording. Another particular highlight is 'Sincerely Yours'. The opening is captivating with its rich orchestral sound and although this doesn't follow through in its entirety, the use of certain instruments such as the harp are brilliantly used. There is a lullaby-like quality in certain numbers which makes for relaxed, easy listening and there are some beautiful melodies throughout. The storytelling thread through the songs in Sean O'Mahoney's musical adaptation could perhaps be a bit stronger for those who are not as acquainted with the happenings within the book but with staging, I believe this would appear a lot more coherent.

The vocalists featured on the album are those from the original Peterborough cast along with some additional West End vocalists including Nigel Williams, Jill Martin and Susan Jane Tanner. The standard is naturally very high but the musical style of the piece does feel a little dated at times. This said, the production is unquestionably representative of the Victorian era that it is set in and although not as a musical, the play based on the novel recently had a stint in the West End starring David Suchet and a UK tour which included Nigel Havers. Therefore, the story of The Importance of Being Earnest is evidently still held in high regard and no doubt this recording will receive a similar warmth towards it.

The Importance will be released on February 26 2016 and can be pre-ordered from www.stagedoorrecords.com now.

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