The Original Theatre Company Present
OSCAR WILDE’S
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Directed by Alastair Whatley
‘jovial and energetic… satisfyingly rich take on Oscar Wilde’s airy comedy’ The Stage ★★★★
‘a delight… a great evening guaranteed to make you laugh’ Essential Surrey ★★★★
‘charming, warm and true… effortlessly witty’ London Theatre 1 ★★★★
The Importance Being Earnest by the master of comedy Oscar Wilde, makes a welcome return to society in this wonderfully witty, deliciously decadent and classic revival from The Original Theatre Company.
Jack wishes to marry Algernon’s cousin the beautiful Gwendolen but first he must convince her mother, the fearsome Lady Bracknell, of the respectability of his parents and his past. For Jack, however, this is not as easy as it sounds, having started life abandoned in a handbag at Victoria station. Prepare to take a welcome turn with Wilde’s much-loved Algernon, Jack, Gwendolen and Cecily, as town and country clash in a brilliant and wildly funny story of romance, identity, perambulators and capacious handbags.
Starring national treasure Gwen Taylor (Coronation Street, Duty Free and Barbara) as the formidable Lady Bracknell, Downton Abbey favourite Thomas Howes as Algernon, Broadway and West End star Kerry Ellis sharing the role of Gwendolen with Hannah Louise Howell and the delightful Susan Penhaligon (Upstairs Downstairs and Bergerac) as the hapless Miss Prism.
The Details
Show, reviews, cast and production details
The Importance Being Earnest by the master of comedy Oscar Wilde, makes a welcome return to society in this wonderfully witty, deliciously decadent and classic revival from The Original Theatre Company.
Jack wishes to marry Algernon’s cousin the beautiful Gwendolen but first he must convince her mother, the fearsome Lady Bracknell, of the respectability of his parents and his past. For Jack, however, this is not as easy as it sounds, having started life abandoned in a handbag at Victoria station. Prepare to take a welcome turn with Wilde’s much-loved Algernon, Jack, Gwendolen and Cecily, as town and country clash in a brilliant and wildly funny story of romance, identity, perambulators and capacious handbags.
Starring national treasure Gwen Taylor (Coronation Street, Duty Free and Barbara) as the formidable Lady Bracknell, Downton Abbey favourite Thomas Howes as Algernon, Broadway and West End star Kerry Ellis sharing the role of Gwendolen with Hannah Louise Howell and the delightful Susan Penhaligon (Upstairs Downstairs and Bergerac) as the hapless Miss Prism.
‘jovial and energetic… satisfyingly rich take on Oscar Wilde’s airy comedy’ The Stage ★★★★
‘a delight… a great evening guaranteed to make you laugh’ Essential Surrey ★★★★
‘charming, warm and true… effortlessly witty’ London Theatre 1 ★★★★
‘delightfully funny… very enjoyable evening’ British Theatre Guide
CAST
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Alastair Whatley
Set and Costume Designer Gabriella Slade
Composer & Sound Designer Giles Thomas
Lighting Alan Valentine
Producers Tom Hackney & Alastair Whatley for OTC
20 – 24 February*
27 February – 3 March*
5 – 10 March
13 – 17 March*
20 – 24 March
27 – 31 March
3 – 7 April
9 – 14 April
17 – 21 April
24 – 28 April
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
30 Apri – 5 May*
8 – 12 May*
Royal & Derngate, Northampton*
*Kerry Ellis to play Gwendolen
Windsor – Kerry Ellis to play all dates except Saturday 5th May
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Production Photos
Take a look at the cast in action…
