1. ABOUT THE PLAY
The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic comedy full of mix-ups, secret identities, and iconic jokes. When two friends pretend to be people they’re not, chaos—and romance—quickly follow. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, this wildly popular classic has entertained audiences for over 100 years and is still loved today for its humor, heart, and unforgettable characters.
2. MEET THE AUTHOR
Oscar Wilde was a famous writer known for his sharp wit and larger-than-life personality. Born in Ireland in 1854, Oscar Wilde later moved to England where he became one of the most famous writers of his time. His plays, essays, and stories were hugely popular in his own lifetime, and he was known as a public figure who challenged social rules through both his writing and his ideas.
Later in life, Wilde faced public scandal and was imprisoned, which damaged his health and career. He spent his final years living quietly in France, where he died in 1900. His influence continues today, and he is admired for his brilliant humor and sharp observations about society.
Fun Fact:
For years, visitors showed their love for Oscar Wilde by leaving bright red lipstick kisses all over his tomb in Paris—a quirky tradition that started in the late 1990s and quickly turned the monument into a collage of lip prints. The kisses were so persistent (and so greasy!) that they began damaging the stone, leading to a major restoration and the installation of a glass barrier in 2011 to protect the tomb from any more smooches.
3. WHEN AND WHERE
Time: LATE 1890s (VICTORIAN ERA)
England was at the height of the Victorian age: A time defined by strict social rules, rigid class structures, and an obsession with respectability.
Queen Victoria was still on the throne, and society placed enormous importance on manners, marriage, and reputation—especially among the upper and upper‑middle classes.
Outward appearances mattered more than inner truth. Maintaining the appearance of morality was often valued above actual honesty—creating a culture where deception could quietly thrive beneath polite conversation.
This was a world without modern technology—no phones, no email, no instant communication. Letters, calling cards, and scheduled social visits governed relationships and misunderstandings easily spiraled into comedy.
LOCATION 1: LONDON
The first part of the play is set in a fashionable London drawing room: the social hub of England’s elite.
London society revolved around afternoon tea, elegant parties, and carefully managed social interactions. These spaces demanded wit, charm, and flawless manners—even when characters were being dishonest or absurd.
LOCATION 2: ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE (HERTFORDSHIRE)
The countryside estate in Hertfordshire represents a contrasting setting—quieter, more traditional, and seemingly more moral. Yet the same social expectations and pretenses follow the characters there as well.
4. GOOD TO KNOW
Here are some things mentioned in the play that are specific to the setting and time period. Can you guess their meaning? There are 20 terms and you only have 5 seconds to answer!
A fake person or excuse invented so someone can escape social responsibilities. Algernon pretends he has a sick friend named Bunbury so he can avoid obligations.
Bunbury
5. OUR DESIGN
Scenic Design by Michael Locher
Costume Design by Alejo Vietti
6. WHO'S WHO
Read the descriptions below and click on each photo for the actor’s bio.
Christopher Salazar
Jack Worthing (a.k.a. Ernest)
Jack Worthing (a.k.a. Ernest)
A respectable gentleman with a secret double life. In the country Jack is serious, responsible, and Cecily’s strict guardian. But in the city, he becomes “Ernest:” a charming bachelor free to have fun. He wants to be honest but finds lying much easier than facing society’s expectations.
Key Traits:
• Respectable
• Anxious
• Secretive
“I have now realized for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.”
Dylan Godwin
Algernon Moncrieff
Algernon Moncrieff
A witty, lazy aristocrat who avoids responsibility whenever possible. Algernon invents fake emergencies—and even fake people—to escape boredom. He values pleasure over honesty and believes life should never be taken too seriously.
Key Traits:
• Witty
• Indulgent
• Irresponsible
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
Amelia Pedlow
Gwendolen Fairfax
Gwendolen Fairfax
A fashionable, confident young woman who believes deeply in appearances and ideals. Gwendolen is romantic, dramatic, and absolutely convinced she knows what she wants—especially when it comes to names, manners, and love.
Key Traits:
• Confident
• Romantic
• Strong‑willed
“I could not love you were you the only man left.”
Melissa Molano
Cecily Cardew
Cecily Cardew
A bright, imaginative teenager who lives in the countryside. Cecily romanticizes life, love, and rebellion—creating entire stories in her diary. Though she appears innocent, she is clever, bold, and quietly in control.
Key Traits:
• Imaginative
• Playful
• Independent
“I keep a diary in order to enter the wonderful secrets of my life.”
Candy Buckley
Lady Bracknell
Lady Bracknell
A powerful, judgmental matriarch obsessed with wealth, status, and social rules. Lady Bracknell believes marriage is a business arrangement and sees love as far less important than income, family name, and respectability.
Key Traits:
• Authoritative
• Snobbish
• Controlling
“To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”
Elizabeth Bunch
Miss Prism
Miss Prism
Cecily’s strict but well‑meaning governess. Miss Prism believes deeply in education, morality, and discipline, though her past mistakes suggest she is not as perfect as she appears. She represents Victorian ideas about propriety and self‑improvement.
Key Traits:
• Moralistic
• Anxious
• Old‑fashioned
“The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”
Spencer Plachy
Dr. Chasuble
Dr. Chasuble
A polite, mild‑mannered clergyman who enjoys giving sermons and offering moral advice. Though serious on the surface, he is easily flustered and clearly fond of Miss Prism.
Key Traits:
• Gentle
• Formal
• Awkward
“Charity, dear Miss Prism, charity!”
Spencer Plachy
Lane
Lane
Algernon’s servant, who quietly observes his employer’s behavior with dry humor. Lane speaks politely but often reveals sharp insight into marriage and class through his calm responses.
Key Traits:
• Observant
• Reserved
• Dryly humorous
“I have only been married once.”
Chris Hutchison
Merriman
Merriman
Jack’s loyal and professional servant in the country. Merriman is efficient, polite, and unbothered by the chaos around him—maintaining order while everyone else behaves absurdly.
Key Traits:
• Proper
• Efficient
• Unflappable
“Yes, sir.”
7. YOUR PART IN THE PLAY
The show can't happen without an audience. Watch the video for some great advice on playing your part.
BONUS ACTIVITY
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
After watching the video, improvise scenes where you encounter the best and worst audience members. If you create something fun and want to share it, tag us at @alleytheatre on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms.
8. POST-SHOW TALKBACK
If you and your students plan to participate in the post-show talkback, encourage them to ask questions!
