Scots comedy star Karen Dunbar is poised to start rehearsals for Perth Theatre’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Getting into character as Oscar Wilde’s comedy icon, Lady Bracknell, Karen Dunbar revealed how she plans to make the role her own by drawing on some of her famous TV roles, using her own accent and taking inspiration from some well-kent faces!
“A Scottish Lady Bracknell feels like a head start in terms of comedy but also in the playing of the class system. The political upheavals and class schisms in the play can give real insight into what is wrong but also how to move forward. Because it’s done with Wilde’s brilliant humour and depth it makes it not only hugely entertaining but also thought-provoking and a good talking point. It’s got something for us all: huge laughs, smart dialogue, big costumes and an even bigger heart.
There’ll always be a bit of my TV characters in anything I do because those characters are all different parts of me but Lady Bracknell is such a unique persona I think she’ll stand out from the old crowd. Of course, Lady B is a big snob but I think she’s quite warm at heart and also has some deep insecurity. This vulnerability along with her wit gives a wee crack into liking her and maybe even identifying with her. So far, I’m pitching my Lady Bracknell somewhere between Mary Berry and Ena Sharples. We’ll see what comes oot!”
Karen is best known for TV classics including Chewin’ the Fat, The Karen Dunbar Show, River City and Rab C. Nesbitt. She recently completed a run as God in Still Game in SSE Hydro! She has played a wide variety of stage roles from Shakespeare to stand up, as well as regular panto appearances in Glasgow’s Kings Theatre.
Supported by Bright Spirits, with match funding from Culture and Business Fund Scotland, The Importance of Being Earnest is directed by Lu Kemp and runs in Perth Theatre from Thursday 5 until Saturday 21 March.
Grant O’Rourke will play Algernon, Amy Kennedy plays Cecily, Caroline Deyga is Gwendolen and Daniel Cahill plays Jack.
Tuesday 18 February 2020