We were very pleased to be invited to attend the press evening of The Importance of Being Earnest at the Roman Open Air Theatre Festival in St Albans. I love what OVO Theatre do, taking classic plays and adding their own twist with a different setting and throwing in some music. This version of Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people” was set in the 1920s with modern chart hits cleverly reworked in the style of the era.

We were very pleased to be invited to attend the press evening of The Importance of Being Earnest at the Roman Open Air Theatre Festival in St Albans. I love what OVO Theatre do, taking classic plays and adding their own twist with a different setting and throwing in some music. This version of Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people” was set in the 1920s with modern chart hits cleverly reworked in the style of the era.

I took my teenage daughter along, and I’m pleased to say she wasn’t the only one of her age in the audience. Here’s what she had to say…

“The Importance of Being Earnest is a period comedy that mocks the social constructs of the upper classes. The story follows two men who both like to take on false identities to escape from their every day lives. When they both take on the name of Ernest Worthing this leads to a series of misunderstandings, plot twists and silliness

I hadn’t seen or read The Importance of Being Earnest before so I didn’t know what to expect but I really enjoyed it. I found it very humorous and I thought all the actors played their characters very well. I liked the use of modern music throughout. I would definitely recommend other teenagers to go and see it.”

We both loved it. It was a brilliantly funny evening that had us both laughing out loud. The OVO cast were on excellent form as always, each one clearly relishing playing their larger-than-life characters to great comedic effect. There’s the wonderful live band too who add to the whole atmosphere, and also double as cast members when needed (too much talent!). 

The outdoor theatre itself is such a lovely setting, though no doubt it adds extra challenges for staging, but the OVO team always rise to that challenge and, on this occasion, with minimal set and props managed to transport us from the sitting room in a townhouse in London, to a leafy garden in Hertfordshire. Add to that, the fact that it was a glorious evening to spend outdoors, what more could we ask? 

The weather this week is looking perfect for enjoying outdoor theatre, so if you are thinking of booking some tickets, do! Performances run until 17th July. Take the family, take a picnic, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

Find out more about the Importance of Being Earnest and The Roman Theatre Open Air Festival.