Oscar Wilde’s classic play is transformed into an opera, thanks to an adaptation by Gerald Barry directed by Ramin Gray.
The production arrives in London for the second time, following a successful run at the Linbury Studio Theatre, with performances this time taking place at the Barbican Theatre.
Gerald Barry’s adaptation originally received its European premiere in a concert version at the Barbican hall in 2012, before getting its UK stage premiere at the Royal Opera House in 2013.
Ernest loves Gwendolen, but hasn’t told her that his name is really Jack and he has a ward named Cecily who lives in the country. His friend Algernon presents himself to Cecily as Jack’s brother Ernest and they fall in love. Both Cecily and Gwendolen state that they particularly admire the name Ernest, to the anguish of Jack and Algernon. Gwendolen’s mother and Algernon’s aunt Lady Bracknell strongly disapproves. A lot of cucumber sandwiches are eaten.
This first revival will see British conductor Tim Murray conduct the Britten Sinfonia and a returning cast that includes Benedict Nelson, Paul Curievici , Stephanie Marshall, Alan Ewing, Hilary Summers, Simon Wilding and Claudia Boyle.
After its run at the Barbican Theatre, the production will transfer to the Rose Theater in New York from the 2nd to the 4th June 2016.
The Importance of Being Earnest runs at the Barbican Theatre from the 29th March to the 3rd April.