We are delighted to welcome to Findon Place, the Changeling Theatre Company with an outdoor production of Oscar Wilde's comedy classic, The Importance of Being Earnest.
John Worthing, a carefree young gentleman, is the inventor of a fictitious brother, “Ernest,” whose wicked ways afford John an excuse to leave his country home from time to time and journey to London, where he stays with his close friend and confidant, Algernon Moncrieff. Algernon has a cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax, with whom John is deeply in love. During his London sojourns, John, under the name Ernest, has won Gwendolen’s love, for she strongly desires to marry someone with the confidence-inspiring name of Ernest. But when he asks for Gwendolen’s hand from the formidable Lady Bracknell, John finds he must reveal he is a foundling who was left in a handbag at Victoria Station. This is very disturbing to Lady Bracknell, who insists that he produce at least one parent before she consents to the marriage.
Returning to the country home where he lives with his ward Cecily Cardew and her governess Miss Prism, John finds that Algernon has also arrived under the identity of the nonexistent brother Ernest. Algernon falls madly in love with the beautiful Cecily, who has long been enamored of the mysterious, fascinating brother Ernest.
With the arrival of Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen, chaos erupts.
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
Regarded as the finest of Oscar Wilde's works, which he wrote in 1894, while living in Worthing. There's a plaque on apartment block Esplanade Court, in The Esplanade, marking the location of a house where Wilde lodged and wrote the play. It was first performed on the 14th February in 1895 in the St James's Theatre in London. Despite the play's early success, Wilde's notoriety caused the play to be closed after 86 performances. After his release from prison, he published the play from exile in Paris, but he wrote no more comic or dramatic works.
Changeling Theatre produces high quality, entertaining theatre in non-traditional locations for community audiences across South East England. Productions range from re-interpretations of Shakespeare and modern classics to working with new writers and composers to create innovative new theatre. Changeling Theatre is delighted to present Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at Findon Place this summer, marking the company’s 21st year of touring.
Doors Open: 630pm
Performance Starts: 7.30pm
Run time: 140 mins
Interval: Yes
Trigger warnings: None
Age recommendation: 8+
We have partnered with some amazing local producers who’ll be able to make your evening extra special.
Available to pre order when you purchase your ticket, Gracefully Grazing have organised a wonderful grazing box, with a vegetarian choice if required but please feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens before the performance starts. Those of you who wish to bring tables and chairs are also welcome but must be mindful of others who prefer to bring blankets. We welcome you to bring soft drinks but please purchase all alcohol from our bars.
TICKETS here