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The Wilde Bunch included RobinMetcalfe, Michael W, JimMacSwain, GlennWalton, LynnMurphy, and several others. In 2000, to mark the centenary of the death of OscarWilde, we mounted two major projects: a semi-documentary play based on the trials of Oscar Wilde, and a production of The Importance of Being Earnest.
The Trials of Oscar Wilde were held in the courthouse on Spring Garden Road. "Queen Victoria" rolled up in a rickshaw, and emerged from thence to preside as judge (not 100% based on history, as you can see.) The script contained not only Oscar's famous defence of "the love that dares not speak its name," and his passionate correspondence with Lord Alfred Douglas ("Bosie") but also less-remembered testimony from working-class youths whose attentions he purchased or seduced. Owing to a shortage of male actors auditioning, several male parts were played by women.
The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde's final play, directed by GlennWalton, was produced at TheChurch on North Street. WalterBorden starred as Lady Bracknell.
All actors in The Trials were paid on a sliding scale depending perhaps on their number of lines. One day shortly after the cheques went out, Glenn saw approaching the player of a very minor part whose share of the take had been something like eight dollars. "He had been very dedicated, came to every rehearsal on time, helped with the backstage tasks, etc. I felt so bad about how small his reward had been that I was tempted to cross the street to avoid him. But I didn't." Up came the young actor. "Glenn! I got my cheque! Thank you! I have actually been PAID for acting!" And the newly-minted professional actor strode off trailing clouds of glory.