THE Importance of Being Earnest is a play that epitomises English humour, not only with its slapstick comedy but also in the characters’ mannerisms – it’s a trait actor Rhys Whiteside can relate to as he plays Jack Worthing in the Oscar Wilde classic.

Rhys will

be playing

the foppish bachelor, who lives a double life in a bid to keep partying, but also to win the heart of Gwendolen Fairfax.

The 28-year-old fell into acting in his late teens which could be seen as a late bloomer in this profession.

He used to love his drama classes at school, but it was while watching a friend in We Will Rock You that his drive and passion for the industry became serious.

He was offered a place at CPA Studios, which is one of the leading academies for the performing arts in the UK and graduated in 2015. He said to himself “this needs to be my life.”

The young actor has starred in a couple of short films, including Frank and Jeremy, but has found that he really enjoys performing live on stage. When the opportunity to play Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest came around he couldn’t turn it down.

Rhys said: “This is a play I love and one which most people will remember from studying in English at school. The language used and Oscar Wilde’s writing are beautiful. It is such an easy read and once you indulge further you can appreciate the clever characterisations.

“Even though the play is set in the Victorian era the delivery and context could easily be adapted for today’s society and social concepts – it truly is a unique piece.”

The Kent-based performer describes himself as a ‘visual actor’ as he likes to relate the character he is playing to someone he knows.

“I tend to morph into the person I am bringing to life throughout rehearsals, it’s almost like a transformation, so that when the live shows come around I am ready to go.

“I have created Jack on a young John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, and Martin Freeman. Mr Freeman seems to be someone I can use frequently, he is a very talented actor.”

He was quick to point out that once he has the hands of the characters right, everything else seems to fall into place.

Jack’s traits are something that Rhys can relate to as they are both playing a different character and pretending to be someone else.

He said he really enjoyed rehearsing the famous muffin and cucumber sandwich throwing scene. He thinks the crowd will thoroughly enjoy it.

Relationships are a huge part of the play and Rhys thinks the banter and acting will come across naturally due to the bond the whole cast hs built up between them.

Rehearsals are being held in Brixton, but when Rhys has a day off he tries to spend as much time as he can volunteering at the zoo in Kent, where he helps out with big cats such as tigers, cheetahs and bears.