In Victorian London, Jack and Algernon lead double lives—Jack invents a brother named “Ernest” to escape to the city, while Algernon creates an invalid friend “Bunbury” to avoid societal obligations.
Complications arise when Jack (as Ernest) falls for Algernon’s cousin Gwendolen, who loves him specifically for his assumed name. Meanwhile, Algernon poses as Ernest to meet Jack’s ward Cecily, who has romanticized this fictional person. Lady Bracknell— representing high society and Victorian social norms – attempts to maintain control as deceptions unravel and tangled romances unfold.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” isn’t just a play – it’s a celebration of the freedom to be who you truly are, wrapped in the delicious wit that made Wilde one of our most beloved playwrights.
Auditions
All are welcome to audition! No preparation is needed.
Cast of characters:
- Jack Worthing (Ernest) – The play’s protagonist who leads a double life, going by “Ernest” in London and “Jack” in the country. Jack invents a fictional brother named Ernest as an excuse to escape to London.
- Algernon Moncrieff – Jack’s friend and related to Lady Bracknell. Like Jack, Algie creates a fictional persona (Bunbury) to escape social obligations. Algie later pretends to be Jack’s brother Ernest to meet Cecily.
- Gwendolen Fairfax – Lady Bracknell’s daughter who falls in love with Jack, believing his name is Ernest. Gwendolen is fixated on marrying someone named Ernest.
- Cecily Cardew – Jack’s young ward who lives at the country estate. Cecily has fallen in love with Jack’s fictional brother Ernest but becomes engaged to Algernon (posing as Ernest).
- Lady Bracknell – Algernon’s aunt and Gwendolen’s mother. A formidable, aristocrat who embodies Victorian upper-class values.
- Miss Prism – Cecily’s governess who, years ago, accidentally left baby Jack in a handbag at Victoria Station. Has romantic feelings for Dr. Chasuble.
- Dr. Chasuble – The local rector near Jack’s country estate who has feelings for Miss Prism.
- Lane – Algernon’s butler in London, known for dry wit and somewhat cynical worldview.
- Merriman – The butler at Jack’s country estate who serves the household with proper decorum.
