There's always a risk in taking a classic and transposing it into a modern setting. Will it result in jarring clashes? Will the original delights be lost in a frantic attempt to demonstrate how 'current' this new iteration has become? Abigail Cruttenden (Lady Bracknell), Rumi Sutton (Cecily), Robin Morrissey (Jack), Parth Thakerar (Algernon), Phoebe Pryce (Gwendolen) (Picture: Johan Persson) Director Josh Roche has avoided all the potential pitfalls in bringing The Importance of Being Earnest to the Royal Exchange resulting in a production which is a contemporary celebration of Oscar Wilde. At its heart remain the brilliantly observed one-liners which demonstrate just how far ahead of his time Wilde was when he wrote the play in 1895.
There's savage satire, gentle fun and downright silliness which combine brilliantly to create a hugely enjoyable experience. This is very much a production for today. Algernon and Jack would be right at home in a reality TV show such as Made in Chelsea.
They have money but no real purpose in life. Instant gratification appears to be their raison d'etre. Jack has invented a fictional brother Ernest to allow him to lead a double life; Algernon has an imaginary ailing friend Bunbury which allows him to play the field without being caught out.
The Importance of Being Earnest at the Royal Exchange (Picture: Johan Persson) Their hedonistic lifestyles are thrown into chaos when Jack falls for Gwendolen - who believes he is Ernest - and Algie falls for .
