Earnest gets a glamorous 1920’s makeover

The well-loved Oscar Wilde classic comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest” gets a 1920’s makeover in Stagecraft’s upcoming production, opening 28 February. Wilde originally wrote this play to mock the late-Victorian morals and the hypocrisy he saw all around him in the beau monde of his day. Up until the mid-1920’s it was always performed in the fashion of the day, and has only been performed as an 1895 period piece from that era onwards.

The director, Tony Hogan, decided to set the play in England’s Jazz Age, when the play’s morals and mockery still resonated, but everyone looked so much more glamorous. “I was excited to read in Oscar Wilde’s biography that it was not considered a period piece until the late 1920’s,” he said. “Another personal obsession is Gatsby-style glamour and the change in social mores and ideas, expressed in fashion, make-up, music and the idea of living hard, after the carnage of the Great War. This seemed to click into place as a perfect fusion, since Wilde’s theme of mocking the serious by exposing the trivial, works well in the Jazz Age too. “

With jazz music, fabulous costumes, and Wilde’s witty dialogue delivered with snappy 1920’s style, the play feels fresh and fun, even to those who know the play well. And if you really want to embrace the stylish world of the play, The Black Sparrow bar under The Embassy cinema will be serving up something special throughout the season, in the form of an Earnest-inspired cocktail to start or end your evening at the play. You can also show them your play ticket to receive some jolly nice food and drink specials.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” opens Wednesday 28th February and runs until the 10th of March. Tickets are already selling fast, so go towww.stagecraft.co.nz or call 0508 484 253 to book an evening of style, jazz, and comedy.

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