London 
Events Description
A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
By Oscar Wilde
Additional text, “On the Language of Fans”, by Alistair Newton.
Age recommendation: 10+
Meet Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, two close friends who have one solution to all of their problems – lying!
Both lead double lives … Jack uses the fake persona of ‘Ernest’ to escape his responsibilities, while Algernon invents an imaginary friend to dodge social obligations. When both men fall in love with eligible ladies, they must untangle a web of lies, misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and hilarious situations to win their hearts. Will they be able to keep up the ruse?
Considered one of Oscar Wilde’s greatest and most enduring works, The Importance of Being Earnest is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud celebration of wit, wordplay, and social satire. The familiar romp of friendship and falsehoods comes to the stage with an exciting new voice – Lady Stella Clinton, based on the real-life 19th Century queer icon of the same name and penned by Director Alistair Newton. Expect the visual perfection of the Victorian era, with all characters pressed and dressed in stunningly opulent designs by Judith Bowden and a strikingly vibrant and stylized production. With its clever humour and playful commentary of Victorian society, the play remains as deliciously entertaining today as it was over a century ago – if not more so.
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
AFTERWORDS
On select Wednesday evenings, immediately after the performance, join host Breanne Ritchie in the theatre’s lounge for a brief guided discussion with guest artists, creative team members, and Grand staff members.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Tea Talks
Join us for creative conversations pre-show with host Rachel Peake and special guests connected to the show. Tea Talks begin at 12:00pm before the Wednesday 1:00pm matinée.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Open Caption Performance
For patrons who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or who enjoy watching a performance with surtitles, we invite you to sit in house right of the Orchestra for best viewing of the Open Captions screen. Click the link below or call the Box Office for more information: 519-672-8800.
Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 2:00pm
Audience Advisory
Mild sexuality.
HOW MUCH
Tickets: $60 – $97
PWYC performances available on select dates
How to get tickets?
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office. Please phone 519-672-8800 to describe your wheelchair and/or accessible seating needs.
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
March 24 to April 12, 2026
Opening Night: Friday, March 27
Running Time: 2h 35m, including one intermission.
Venue:
Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London
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