The Importance of Being Earnest

In one sentence: a hilarious play about the ways we avoid, embellish and invent the truth to try and get ahead

How did it come about?

Continuing the idea of using a non-traditional venue as the set that I began with Twelfth Night, I approached Como Historic House and Garden and managed to get a bit of in-kind support for the venue and some rehearsal space through Stonnington Council. The idea was to do this iconic play in the mansion’s ballroom. This took a little bit of adjusting as the suggested location for some scenes is in the garden, but the logistics of moving the audience made it not feasible. 

It was a rather traditional staging, but it was done fast - we only had 2 weeks in the studio as it was all we could get. Somehow we made it work! The performances were particularly fantastic, as were the costumes. I learnt a lot about leadership and negotiation. I also learnt a great deal about the tension and release of directing comedy and its relationship to tempo and rhythm. 

This was also where we started to consider the audience experience and offered little homemade picnic baskets before the show for purchase. It was a very special event and our 2 week season sold out completely. 

“Citizen Theatre clearly demonstrates a great depth of talent” — Artshub

Show info

Performed at Como House & Historic Garden, January 2015

Directed and Co-produced by Jayde Kirchert
Stage Management by Chenez Dyer-Bray
Costumes by Marc McIntyre
Produced by Carina Waye
Music Direction by Patrick Paevre
Original Music by Loclan MacKenzie Spencer

Cast: Rory Godbold, Nelson Gardner, Jackie Rees, Lauren McKenna, Hannah Fredericksen, Catherine Glavcic, Nick Backstrom
Additional musicians: Hannah Dallas and Emeric Sands

For more images, videos and info visit the Citizen Theatre website.

Image credits Thomas Overend