Wilde’s most celebrated comedy returns
In Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People)—Jack and Algy fabricate delicious double lives to escape the straitjacket of social norms and to find the lovers they desire.
This is Wilde’s most celebrated comedy, but in the hands of these two comedic daredevils—David Woods and Jon Haynes—the hilarity hits break-neck speed as they gleefully act out every role, tumbling chaotically through impossible character changes. Yet between the absurd and masterful theatrics, the beating heart of Wilde’s humanity exposes itself.
In 2006, when Woods and Haynes first brought this production to Melbourne, Malthouse Theatre audiences fell out of their seats in laughter. Now, the Ridiculusmus team triumphantly returns to double down on the hilarious dishonesty.
"REFRESHING...VERY, VERY FUNNY"
"EXCEPTIONALLY FUNNY…GLORIOUS ABSURDITY...MAKES YOU HEAR EVERY LINE AFRESH"
PRODUCTION PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
Malthouse Theatre presents the Ridiculusmus production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.
Key image: Zan Wimberley
Images: Pia Johnson
BY / | Oscar Wilde |
ADAPTED BY / | Jon Haynes, Jude Kelly & David Woods |
CAST / | Jon Haynes and David Woods |
SET & COSTUME DESIGN / | Zöe Atkinson |
ORIGINAL DIRECTION BY / | Jude Kelly |
PRODUCER / | Erin Milne, Bureau of Works |
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Event & ticketing details
Accessibility
Dates & Times
PREVIEWS | 7.30pm Fri 14 Feb, 7.30pm Sat 15 Feb, 6.30pm Mon 17 Feb |
OPENING NIGHT | 7.30pm, Tue 18 Feb |
TIME TO TALK | 6.30pm, Tue 25 Feb |
RELAXED PERFORMANCE | 7.30pm, Fri 21 Feb |
SENIORS PERFORMANCE | 5pm, Sun 1 Mar |
Location
Merlyn Theatre
The Malthouse, 113 Sturt St, Southbank 3006
Get directionsTrain
Any train to Flinders Street, then a 12-minute stroll through Melbourne’s sparkling Arts Precinct.Tram
The No. 1 South Melbourne tram goes right past our door. Get off at Stop 18. Any tram down St Kilda Road—jump off at Grant Street, Stop 17 and take a 3-minute walk.