The Importance of Being Earnest

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.

Malthouse 2020