Production images courtesy Peter Mould

The Importance of Being Earnest

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” Oscar Wilde’s brilliant and much-loved comedy of love, manners and mistaken identity has been delighting audiences for over 100 years, writes HOT’s Chris Cormack. And now it can be seen near you at the Stable’s Theatre, directed by Peter Mould with Alexandra Benedict, Matt Davis, Nick Griffith, Ian Klemen, Susannah Mayor, Zoe Morgan and Maxine Roach.

It’s Victorian England and two young bachelors have taken to bending the truth to add a dash of excitement to their lives. Jack invents a brother ‘Ernest’, as an excuse to leave his dull country life behind him so he can pursue Gwendolen, the delectable daughter of the formidable Lady Bracknell.

Across town, Algernon decides to take the name ‘Ernest’, when visiting Jack’s young ward, Cecily. When each gentleman is forced to unwind his web of lies and reveal himself – being earnest takes on a new meaning!

“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does, and that is his.”

The successful opening night of The Importance of Being Ernest marked the climax of Wilde’s career, but also heralded his downfall. The Marquess of Queensberry, father of Lord Alfred Douglas, an intimate friend of Wilde, planned to present Wilde a bouquet of rotten vegetables and disrupt the show. Wilde was tipped off and Queensberry was refused admission.

“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.”

It is not widely appreciated the extent to which Wilde was able to anticipate the 1960s, 70 years ahead of his time! Lady Bracknell, who tends to approve Jack ‘s suitability as a husband for her daughter after hearing his claim to know nothing, says: “Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square.”

Transferred after a sell out run at The Barn Theatre, Smallhythe, this is “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” by Oscar Wilde.

The Stables Theatre and Art Centre, The Bourne, Hastings, TN34 3BD Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 22-24 August at 7.30pm
Tickets: Adults £12.50 members, under-18s and groups £7.50

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