The Importance of Being Earnest – Auditions

The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

Director: Tim Eyres
Assistant Director: Layla Katib
Production Manager: Ruth Readshaw

About the Production

The Importance of Being Earnest is one of the best-known and most frequently performed comedies in English theatre; yet it has never been produced by Oxford Theatre Guild.  Now is the time to make up for this gap in our historical repertoire!  There are good reasons for the play’s enduring popularity.  Not only does it have a complex and brilliantly crafted plot and feature some of Wilde’s most memorable and best-loved characters, but it is full of his famous witticisms and is a biting satire on the social mores and class distinctions of the time.

This production will be set in the roaring twenties, highlighting the contrast between the newfound freedom of the young and the strait-laced attitudes of the previous, Edwardian generation.  Our approach and design will take its cue from the tone of frivolity and sophistication of the time – think flappers, art deco, the charleston – whilst not forgetting the sharp social commentary that underlies the plot.  (Synopses of the plot can easily found on the internet.)

 

Auditions

What to Expect

All first round auditions are open to anyone, but recalls are by invitation only. If you have any queries or cannot make any of the audition dates, please contact Tim Eyres.

To apply, please use the button below and fill out the audition form.

Important Dates

First Round Auditions:


Recall Audition (by invitation only)


Performances

  • Tuesday 16th - Saturday 20th April 2024 at Oxford Playhouse
Audition form

Cast

There are 9 characters in the play, as follows:

  • Jack Worthing  -  a young gentleman from the country, in love with Gwendolen Fairfax.  Youthfulness is more important than being a specific age.
  • Algernon Moncrieff  -  a young man about town, living in London, the nephew of Lady Bracknell, in love with Cecily Cardew.  Probably a similar age to Jack.
  • Gwendolen Fairfax  -  likes to think of herself as a sophisticated young lady, loved by Jack Worthing.
  • Lady Augusta Bracknell  -  a society lady.  Needs to appear old enough to be Gwendolen's mother (45+).
  • Cecily Cardew  -  an apparently innocent and sheltered young lady, the ward of Jack Worthing.
  • Miss Prism  -  Cecily's governess.  Probably a similar age to Lady Bracknell but could be older.
  • The Reverend Canon Chasuble  -  the priest of Jack's parish.  Probably a similar age to Miss Prism (45+) but could equally be a lot older.
  • Lane  -  Algernon's manservant.  A gentleman’s gentleman.  Could be any age.
  • Merriman  -  the butler at Jack's country house.  Could be played as a female servant.

Although these are recognisable types, they are far from stock characters.  Each is a gem of its kind and a delight to play.  If you would like to audition for one of these roles, please fuse the button above to sign up and choose a date for your audition.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will commence on Sunday 28th January 2024.

 

Performances

Tuesday 16th - Saturday 20th April 2024 at Oxford Playhouse.