Belper Arts Festival
Oscar Wilde
We
arrived in Belper for the Arts festival, super excited for some Oscar
Wilde. I love Wilde, he is definitely on my list for when I time
travel. I have read everything I can find by him, many times and
plenty about him.
But
as he said “Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to
remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be
taught.”
So I thought I had best get on with experiencing some Wilde. We arrived at No.28 Cafe to find there was a time change, a few minor difficulties and the reading wasn't going to be for an hour. We had a chat with a lovely man who was organising the events and he recommended seeing the Mill which I am sure would have been delightful but "The only good thing to do with good advice is to pass it on; it is never of any use to oneself." So we headed into town.
So I thought I had best get on with experiencing some Wilde. We arrived at No.28 Cafe to find there was a time change, a few minor difficulties and the reading wasn't going to be for an hour. We had a chat with a lovely man who was organising the events and he recommended seeing the Mill which I am sure would have been delightful but "The only good thing to do with good advice is to pass it on; it is never of any use to oneself." So we headed into town.
Number
28 Cafe photo by me
When
we came back the room was laid out with flowers on the tables, simple
but inviting. We found ourselves a table right at the front and
settled down for the reading of The Ballad Of Reading Gaol. Looking
around there were some very interesting art pieces, my favourite was
definitely the angel above us.
Angel
in No.28 Cafe
"We
are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."
The
reading was powerful. It's a spectacular piece but one that is
neither easy on the reader or the listener. It was written while
Wilde was in exile about what he had seen in Victorian Prison, its
realistic and incredibly gritty. A thoroughly engaging reading, it
left me emotional and was definitely something that needed to be
experienced in person. I find hearing someone reading a poem gives a
whole new life from the one it had when I read it myself.
"And
all men kill the thing they love"
Reading
of The Ballad Of Reading Gaol
This
reading left me with a sense of how truly awful it must have been to
be living in exile after seeing so much. Although it seems he still
had enough love left for the world to try and change it with his
words. “It takes great deal of courage to see the world in all its
tainted glory, and still to love it.”
It
was truly a beautiful reading. A huge thanks to the reader who I
believe to have been George Gunby.
The
afternoon was a far happier affair, it was time for Tea With Oscar
Wilde presented by Don't Go Into The Cellar.
"Be
Yourself, Everyone Else Is Already Taken"
Oscar
Wilde
As
I have said if I could time travel I would definitely Meet Oscar
Wilde so this piece is perfect for me. I must confess I am a huge fan
of this theatre company and I had seen this performance previously.
That did not make it any less spectacular. It wasn't exactly the same
which was delightful.
From
the moment he took the stage you knew it was Wilde, there was no
doubt in my mind, I never even questioned that this man was a
performer for the next two hours he was Oscar. I was enthralled. The
level of charisma was perfect, the wonderful attitude of slight
mockery about the world at large but a friendliness that still made
you like him. A well written and well acted balance. Fitting the part
so well I couldn't quite tell if the audience should be offended but
I knew that they weren't, because who could resist that charm.
“It
is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either
charming or tedious.”
“You
don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their
fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.”
The
beautiful Marie Lloyd and Oscar Wilde
Soon
he was joined by the marvellous Marie Lloyd, her singing felt so
authentically Victorian showgirl, it was far too difficult not to
join in but she encouraged sing along's so that worked out
fabulously. Her facial expressions were wonderful she managed to say
so much even when no words were coming out of her mouth. I quickly
adored her.
“How
can a woman be expected to be happy with a man who insists on
treating her as if she were a perfectly normal human being”
Marie
Lloyd
Obviously
I don't want to give too much away but the Oscar and Marie's
interactions were perfect. They worked together so well. It was truly
a joy to watch. Sometimes seeming to admire each other and then
seeming to view each other and the audience with a slight disdain.
Passionate and full of expression the whole way through, not breaking
from character for even a second.
“If
you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll
kill you.”
That
Look
The
audience participation was hilarious but I shall tell you nothing
about it. During the performance I found myself laughing, crying,
singing along and by the end I really did feel like I had spent a
couple of hours time travelling and met some more than interesting
characters.
Of
course for Tea with Oscar Wilde tea was provided which I avoided
choosing the coffee, which was actually rather delightful. A
selection of cakes were also served and very nice they were too. The
atmosphere was relaxed and everyone involved was very friendly.
I
had a truly glorious day seeing two entirely different sides to Oscar
Wilde, The pieces were so well chosen and contrasted perfectly. I
will definitely be keeping an eye on The Belper Arts Festival for
next year and I will be continuing to follow Don't Go Into The
Cellar, I am seeing another of their performances tonight in fact.
Until
next time remember
“Quotation
is a serviceable substitute for wit.”
Thanks
for reading.
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