Latest production of Wilde classic focuses on fun

Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest. By Oscar Wilde. Directed by Kate Canning. Smock Alley Theatre until August 22. Rating: ***.

From left: Aislinn O’Byrne as Cecily, Kevin Shackleton as Algernon, Clodagh Mooney Duggan as Gwendoline and James Murphy as Jack in The Importance Of Being Earnest. Picture: Tom Maher
From left: Aislinn O’Byrne as Cecily, Kevin Shackleton as Algernon, Clodagh Mooney Duggan as Gwendoline and James Murphy as Jack in The Importance Of Being Earnest. Picture: Tom Maher

The enduring popularity of The Importance of Being Earnest is both a bonus and a drawback for potential directors and cast members. Audiences are so familiar with Oscar Wilde’s last play that they come to a performance with certain expectations: Lady Bracknell’s imperiousness will be a ...