Oscar Wilde is one of the most renowned playwrights of all time. He was an Irish writer and poet, and his plays were produced in some of London’s most celebrated theatres. Throughout his life, Wilde was known for his wit and brevity, and his plays continue to wow audiences today. So, who played Oscar Wilde?
Wilde’s most famous play “The Importance of Being Earnest” was first performed in 1895, starring George Alexander as Jack Worthing. Alexander was a renowned British actor and theatre manager, who was responsible for commissioning Wilde to write the play. He reprised the role of Worthing in several other productions of the play throughout Europe.
John Gielgud was another major actor who played the role of Jack Worthing. Gielgud was a veteran actor who appeared on the stage for over 70 years and was known for his distinctive style of speech and delivery. He performed the role of Jack in both the film and stage productions of “The Importance of Being Earnest” in 1952.
Quite fittingly, Gielgud was also the narrator of a television adaptation of two of Wilde’s other most famous works, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “An Ideal Husband”, in 1975. Gielgud won an Emmy Award for his voice-over work.
Most recently, Stephen Fry has taken on the role of Jack Worthing in a West End production of “The Importance of Being Earnest”, in 2011. Fry, an English actor and writer, is an avid fan of Wilde and has also portrayed him in film.
Wilde’s plays have been produced in numerous countries, with respective actors taking on the roles to local acclaim. From the United States to Russia, China and beyond, Wilde’s words have captivated audiences everywhere.
Wilde’s plays contain his unique style of intellectual wit and brevity, adding to the appeal of the works. Wilde’s humour and social commentary has withstood the test of time, and continues to make an impression today.
The Place of Performance for Wilde’s Plays
Wilde’s plays were production in some of London’s most renowned theatres, such as the Haymarket Theatre, the St. James’ Theatre and the Theatre Royal. These theatres still do productions today, which allows for audiences to connect to Wilde in the locations he once trod.
The Haymarket Theatre was an especially important venue for Wilde, as it was there that “The Importance of Being Earnest”, “An Ideal Husband” and “Lady Windermere’s Fan” were performed in the 1890s. The theatre went through a restoration in the 1990s and continues to hold shows, even one of Wilde’s works was enacted towards the start of the 21st century.
The Savoy Theatre was another great stage for Wilde, where the first production of “An Ideal Husband” was performed. Situated on the Strand in London, the theatre was refurbished at the start of the 21st century and continues to show productions today. It has seen the likes of incredible actors, including Alec Guinness, Stephen Fry, Robert Lindsay and Judi Dench.
The Garrick Theatre has been home to many productions of Wilde’s plays too. It hosted a three hour performance of “The Importance of Being Earnest” in 2013, and comedian Bill Bailey and actress Helen Mccrory starred in a selection of Wilde’s works in 2017.
The Court Theatre in London was also of great importance to Wilde,where the premiere of “The Importance of Being Earnest” took place. The theatre is royal patronised and has seen some of England’s greatest actors, including Kenneth Branaugh and Patrick Stewart.
The Impact of Wilde’s Works on Popular Culture
Wilde’s play, “The Importance of Being Earnest”, has been the basis of multiple film and television adaptations, including those by MGM in 1952, an acclaimed 2002 version starring Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench and Colin Firth, and a 2011 adaptation that starred Colin Morgan and David Suchet.
The play was also adapted as an animated feature entitled “Oscar Wilde’s The Nightingale and the Rose” in 2015. This version of the play follows a poor student struggling to find a way to win over his beloved, and won multiple awards in the UK, Japan and Brazil.
Wilde’s works have influenced countless writers, illustrating the unmatched power of the pieces. From academics, to novelists and screenwriters, Wilde’s works have been referenced repeatedly. Authors such as HG Wells and JM Barrie made references to Wilde’s plays in their works, while contemporary writers such as Muriel Spark and Thomas Pynchon have taken cues from Wilde for their own creations.
In direct homage to Wilde’s works, American playwright Moiss Kaufman premiered the play “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde” in 1997. The play was named one of the ten best plays of the 1997-98 season, and was performed in London’s West End in 1999.
Wilde also heavily influenced the fashion world. His trademark velvet suits, tussled hair and jewellery are often evoked in modern fashion collections.
The Lasting Legacy of Wilde
Despite having died in 1900, Wilde’s works continue to have an impact on audiences today. His plays remain relevant and the wit he highlighted still penetrates today’s culture.
Wilde’s works are taught in schools around the world and his ideas are held up as paragons of philosophical and humanistic thought. In the early 21st century, the “Oscar Wilde Society” was established to commemorate his works and the exceptional life he led. The society meets weekly to discuss Wilde’s works and lectures on Wilde scholarship are given at seminars and universities across the globe.
Wilde’s play-writing style is often mimicked by contemporary playwrights, though many find it hard to replicate the author’s consummate wit and delivery of social commentary. His comedies are still performed in theatres across the world, and have connected audiences from different backgrounds, languages and locations.
Wilde was an extreme character and his life often overshadowed that of his works. Yet, Wilde’s legacy is forever enshrined in the witty power of his plays and the remarkable global reach of their concepts.
Conclusion
Oscar Wilde’s plays are performed throughout the world, in some of London’s most celebrated theatres. Throughout his lifetime, Wilde was known for his wit and brevity and his plays continue to wow audiences today. George Alexander, John Gielgud, Stephen Fry and numerous other actors have all taken on the role of Wilde in various adaptations of his plays. Wilde’s works have also been adapted in multiple films and television programs, such as a 2015 animated version of “The Nightingale and the Rose”. Beyond this, the fashion world has been heavily influenced by Wilde’s trademark style. Clothes and jewellery paying homage to the playwright are often seen on the catwalks. Despite having died in 1900, Wilde’s works have a lasting impact, with the “Oscar Wilde Society” established to commemorate his works. Through his plays, Wilde continues to connect people from different backgrounds, and his legacy will remain timeless.
