The Importance of Being Earnest made Oscar Wilde a household name and its iconic status has only continued to grow, proving its comedy has transcended time. But after so many reinventions, finding originality in its staging has proved difficult, and the Royal Lyceum seem to have fallen into the trap. Jack Worthing is a debonair dandy with an alter ego, Earnest (a countryside gent) much to the ignorance of his lady interest, Gwendolen. When his friend, Algernon hears of such a scheme he sees it as his duty to inspect his countryside abode and falls in love his Worthing ward, Cecily. What ensues is a mad and perplexing satire of female shallowness and male stupidity.

Mark Thomson’s direction neglects to find any originality, as the play progresses with the lack of a fizzy, fast and bombarding pace you’d expect. Instead it fumbles to find its focus throughout and such clumsiness ignites a great impatience within the audience. Such problems are also shared in the performance of John Worthing (Ben Derry). A character which is supposed to support the play acts as its greatest instability as charisma seemed of little concern with his lines being delivered with clinical convention. However, there is a saving grace: the all eating, all charming Algernon (Will Featherstone) resonates even when he is off stage. Featherstone’s portrayal as Jack’s best friend is dealt with an almost camp charm and wins the hearts of everyone as he smirks and prances his way through the production with a childish vigour. His performance is one which creates the play’s much needed energy.

It almost goes without saying that Wilde’s dialogue is saturated with the highest quality of wit. Yet, disappointingly an absence of imagination was seen in almost every aspect and what was able to be salvaged was far too dependent on the witticism of Wilde himself. It’s frustrating that this production felt like a waste of solid and inspiring material.