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2 Julyto17 July

Maltings CastPerformed by

Roman Theatre of VerulamiumVenue/Stage

16 ShowsRemaining

The Importance of Being Earnest

A bold, imaginative and surprising jazz musical remix of Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people”.

The Importance of Being Earnest

2nd-17th July 2022

By Oscar Wilde

Directed by Adam Nichols and Matt Strachan

Musically Directed by Tom Cagnoni

Presented by OVO

OVO presents a bold, imaginative and surprising jazz musical remix of Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people”.

Jack loves Gwendolen, Algernon loves Cecily, but both of them are engaged to the roguish Ernest - much to the disapproval of the formidable Lady Bracknell.

The only problem is that Ernest doesn’t actually exist and - when his true identity is revealed - being “earnest” takes on a whole new meaning…

Mistaken identity and romance collide with cucumber sandwiches and a handbag as Cecily and Gwendolen battle it out over Beyonce and Lady Bracknell channels Lizzo, while a cast of Bright Young Things Charleston to Queen, Daft Punk and The Beach Boys.

The Importance of Being Earnest is, quite simply, one of the funniest plays ever written in the English language, and it retains its ability to entertain and amuse some 127 years after it was written.

★★★★★ "A simply astonishing show" Sardines Magazine (The Winter's Tale)

★★★★★ “Bursting with energy, originality and laugh-out-loud moments” The Review Chap (Henry V)

★★★★ “Delivered with don’t-give-a-toss energy, it is an inventive and laugh-out-loud remodelling.” Daily Express (The Merry Wives of Windsor)

★★★★ “This imaginative interpretation is as clever as it is witty and as moving as it is original… A tour de force.” The Stage (The 39 Steps)

★★★★ "A wonderful production fit for the whole family, set in a beautiful historic open-air theatre, with a brilliant cast." Pocketsize Theatre (The Comedy of Errors)

"Hie thee to St Albans, there’s something a little special here.” Ought to be Clowns (Much Ado About Nothing)

In the open air at
The Roman Theatre of Verulamium
Bluehouse Hill | St Albans | AL3 6AE

7.30pm nightly / matinees 2.30pm | Running time (TBC) 2 hour 30 minutes including a 20 minute interval

Tickets £11.50 - £23.50

Multibuy - 2 different shows = 10% discount, 3 different shows = 20% discount (offer runs to Easter Monday)

Festival Unlimited Pass allowing unlimited access to all events and 10% off retail and catering - £70 (Limited numbers available)

Loyalty card – buy 9 tickets, get the 10^th ticket free

Previews - 2nd July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Press night - 7th July at 7.30pm

If you have any questions regarding access at The Roman Theatre, please email us before booking so that we can provide you with information and assistance.

The venue will be operating in accordance with any government guidelines on COVID safety measures in place at the time of the production.