The Importance of Being Ernest
Peter Gill's production glitters like a many-faceted diamond
Peter Gill's production glitters like a many-faceted diamond
The Sunday Times
Peter Gill's production glitters like a many-faceted diamond
Peter Gill's production glitters like a many-faceted diamond
The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde's timeless play in which two young men assume alter egos that bring more trouble than expected. Arguably Wilde's most famous work and his best comedy, this highly entertaining comedy of manners which comments on the hypocrisies of Victorian life, is revived by acclaimed director Peter Gill.
Set in the late Victorian era, The Importance of Being Ernest is about two bachelors - respectable Jack Worthing, who has fallen in love with Gwendolyn, and aristocratic playboy Algernon Moncrieff, Gwendolyn's cousin, who in turn falls in love with Mr Worthing's beautiful ward, Cecily. Both Jack and Algernon have created different identities to pursue their ladies, resulting in both Cecily and Gwendolyn falling in love with Ernest. As the men try to simultaneously cover their tracks and reveal their true selves, the involvement of Lady Bracknell and Miss Prism weaves further twists in the hilarious and witty plot.
This sparkling production with design by William Dudley stars Penelope Keith as Lady Bracknell, William Ellis as Algernon, Harry Hadden-Paton as Jack, Rebecca Night as Cecily and Daisy Haggard as Gwendolyn.