The American writer Dorothy Parker once observed that it was pointless to say anything witty or clever, as someone was sure to say 'Oscar said it'. "The Importance of Being Earnest" is one of the wittiest and most brilliant plays of the modern theatre. It continues the tradition of Congreve and Sheridan. Wilde wrote the play in three weeks using the technique of the French "well made play".

While Wilde's play continues the tradition of restoration comedy with some influence from W.S. Gilbert, it is entirely novel in that it is a comedy without malice. There is not one unpleasant character in the play.

The play first opened in London in February, 1895, whilst "An Ideal Husband" was running. Wilde had two successful plays at the same time.

Cast: Roger Gimblett, Stephen Baldwin, Basil Thomas, Andrew Trump, Ray Forsyth, Sandra Bass, Natasha Vagg, Loretta Tolnai, Joyce Birch