For a tale based on mistaken identity, The Importance of Being Earnest is a fantastic show to take and turn on it's head into a brilliantly madcap immersive theatre experience. The theatre company Say It Again, Sorry? have pushed the boundaries of theatre to create something where no two shows are the same and the term audience interaction is taken to the extreme.
Reminiscent of other comedic troupes such as Mischief Theatre, Le Navet Bete, and Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare, this slapstick, comedic version of the classic tale is a hilarious night out that everyone would enjoy. Whilst currently on a UK tour and ending it's tour in London, ...Earnest? is currently gracing the MAST Mayflower stage for a few nights only.
Photos by Mark Senior
What ensues is nothing short of madness. From audience auditions, to dodgy costumes, and script mishaps, nothing is quite going to plan. The thing that works so brilliantly about the show is that no matter if the audience members are saying the wrong thing, or in the wrong place, the show must go on. The faults and mishaps are carefully crafted to make a show that is utterly incredible and unique. It has audience members belly laughing at the unpredictable nature of the show and whilst it feels far from the original text, it perfectly encapsulates everything that Wilde would have wanted from a modern-esque interpretation.
Cast wise I cannot congratulate them enough on the fantastic show they put on. The role of Terry and Graham are played by Guido Garcia Lueches and Rhys Tees; co-founders of Say it Again, Sorry. Holding the fort as esteemed actors, their adaptability to many roles, and physical comedy shows they are top of their craft. Similarly, Trynity Silk and Judith Amsenga play all the female roles in the show superbly (despite the alcohol consumption and nauseating mishaps!). I thought Ben Mann did a brilliant job as stage hand Josh, seemingly mute and preferring to stay off the stage, his interval interactions were hilarious. Josh Haberfield kept the audience engaged as the slightly (make that very) neurotic director Simon Slough. His improv with the audience was nothing short of genius and how he managed to stay in character throughout was beyond me.
I must give a huge congratulations however to our stars of the show, John as Earnest and Imogen as Cecily. Pairing Imogen's confidence with John's slow, and slightly uncertain delivery led to the most awkward but perfect unexpected casting.
There's a real sense of camaraderie in the theatre as audience members cheer on both the cast and audience throughout and it really pushes the boundaries of immersive theatre, improv, and audience interaction. ...Earnest? Is a show like no other. Full of pure British comedy, mixed with clever tricks to keep the show moving. There is pure genius moments of hilarity and absurdity that have the audience belly laughing from start to finish. With cleverly crafted writing, staging, and direction, you are left wondering how on earth they create something so brilliant and unique night after night. My only warning for you? If you don't get a ticket, you'll regret it.
On at MAST Mayflower Studios until 8/3/25 before continuing on a UK tour, ...Earnest? Is one not to miss.
No comments