Cast

Synopsis

Algernon Moncrieff, an idle young gentleman, receives his friend, Jack Worthing, who also goes by the name of Ernest. Ernest is in love with Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen, and intends to propose to her. Algernon is intrigued by Jack’s young ward, a young woman named Cecily, and is determined to meet her. Gwendolen arrives, accompanied by her formidable mother, Lady Bracknell, who refuses to consent to her daughter’s engagement to Mr Worthing, on account of his unusual beginnings in life. Algernon arrives at Jack’s country house, pretending to be Ernest, with the intention of meeting Cecily. Cecily, who is receiving tuition from her governess, Miss Prism, has long been fascinated by her guardian’s younger brother, Ernest, and resolves to marry him. Gwendolen then appears, meets Cecily and they discover that they both believe themselves to be engaged to ‘Ernest’. Both Jack and Algy decide to ask Dr Chasuble, the rector, to christen them Ernest, just before Lady Bracknell re-appears and Mr Worthing’s true origins are discovered.

Directors Notes

Subtitled ‘a trivial comedy for serious people’, this masterpiece by Oscar Wilde premiered in 1895 in London, and after the famous author’s fourth smash hit in three years and has rarely been off stage since. There have been countless productions and many memorable Lady Bracknells, from Edith Evans to David Suchet, surely one of the most well-known and sought-after parts in the history of the theatre. I think the play has stood the test of time, and is as enjoyable for today’s audiences as it was when it first opened. It is one of the first plays that I ever read and it holds a special place in my heart. The language is so clever and the plot so silly that there is something in it for every generation to enjoy over a century on from its premiere. The play offers satire on marriage, morals and society and, very importantly, laughter. I therefore feel very privileged to be able to direct this BLT production but also to have an amazing backstage team and a stellar cast of actors to show off the witty and sophisticated language of the script. I hope you enjoy the production as much as we have enjoyed rehearsing the play.