The Importance of Being Earnest (2020)

Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: Jonathan Haynes, David Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson

The Importance of Being Earnest (2020)

By Jonathan Haynes, David Woods & Judy Kelly

14 February 2020 – 08 March 2020 Merlyn Theatre

Adapted from Oscar Wilde

Malthouse Theatre, Ridiculusmus ,

Classic Theatre Collaboration Remount

In Oscar Wilde’s most famous comedy of lies, Jack and Algy thrive in double lives (as Ernest) to find the lover they desire (in earnest).

When questions of family heritage threaten their romantic desires, the gents question whether style really trumps sincerity.

Here, two multi-award-winning daredevils—David Woods and Jon Haynes—gleefully act out every role, tumbling chaotically through impossible costume changes. The beating heart of Wilde’s humanity exposes itself between these ludicrous theatrics.

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 return to double down on the hilarious dishonesty.

 

★★★★★
"REFRESHING...VERY, VERY FUNNY"
— ABC
"EXCEPTIONALLY FUNNY…GLORIOUS ABSURDITY...MAKES YOU HEAR EVERY LINE AFRESH"
— The Guardian
"THERE'S NEVER BEEN ANYTHING QUITE LIKE THIS ITERATION OF WILDE'S SPARKLING COMEDY"
— Thuy On, Arts Hub
Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: David Woods, Jonathan Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson
Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: Jonathan Haynes, David Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson
Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: Jonathan Haynes, David Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson
Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: Jonathan Haynes, David Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson
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Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: David Woods, Jonathan Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson

Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: Jonathan Haynes, David Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson

Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: Jonathan Haynes, David Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson

Production still for "The Importance of Being Earnest". L-R: Jonathan Haynes, David Woods. Photographer: Pia Johnson

Cast

David Woods

David Woods

Devisor, Adaptor, Actor

Jonathan Haynes

Jonathan Haynes

Devisor, Adaptor, Actor

Creatives

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde

Playwright

Zoe Atkinson

Zoe Atkinson

Costume Designer, Set Designer

Stephen Hawker

Stephen Hawker

Lighting Designer

Wendy Findlater

Wendy Findlater

Assistant Stage Manager

Judy Kelly

Judy Kelly

Director, Devisor, Adaptor

Jo Currey

Lighting Designer

Tom Backhaus

Tom Backhaus

Sound Designer

Lyndie  Li Wan Po

Lyndie Li Wan Po

Stage Manager

Erin Milne

Erin Milne

Producer, Co-Producer

Acknowledgements

Malthouse Theatre presents the Ridiculusmus production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

Production Program