Newspaper review: The Harrogate Advertiser

The team of talent working on this Oscar Wilde gem has clearly pulled out all the stops to ensure that the society's 50th anniversary season conlcuded in terrific style.
So when leadin actress Shirley Grimshaw was put out of action just days before the opening night, it was very much a case of "The show must go on". In years to come, "Lady Windermere's Fan" will go down in HDS History as the show where President Joan Mallett stepped into the demanding role of The Duchess of Berwick, bringing off her performance with flair and panache.
An exquisite set showing the interior of the Windermere residence set the tone for a plot based on intrigue and gossip among the Lords and Ladies of London society. Brian Foster's direction ensured that even the smallest roles made an impact while the wardrobe department's attention to detail made a stunning impression in every scene. Sheila McIntosh, Avis Robinson and Iris Mitchell are to be congratulated for their contribution to the production.
Derek Newton, cast as the charming Lord Darlington was the epitome of the Wilde style with witty observations peppering his speeches. Although on the first night, Derek hadn't yet got into his stride, later performances are understood to have seen him on top form. Judith Kenley was also good as the sheltered Lady Windermere whos birthday celebrations, though lavish, were marred by an unwelcome guest.
Alan Harwood, usually seen in more comic vein, gave a good account of the uptight Lord Windermere while Marion Homer as the enigmatic Mrs. Erlynne was excellent.
A Leisurely paced first act gave way to two scenes which fairly rattled along. The first featured the men philosophising about women, while the second had the women's thougts on men. Both were supreme examples of ensemble playing, almost surreal in their flights of fancy and humour.
Particularly good was the eccentric Dumby, played by Neil De Lacy and John S. Mallett was also well cast as the put-upon Lord Augustus. As for the ladies, Ann Moorby came across well as the desperate Lady Stutfield, while Iris Mitchell's rich tones made Mrs. Cowper-Cowper memorable.
Stylish to the end, even the curtain call paid homage to the aristocratic elegance of Wilde's creation.

Ruth Badley.