An Evening of Wit, Wonder and World-Class Theatre
Reviewed by Kim Kaitell
Few plays have achieved the enduring legacy of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, and after seeing this Stratford Festival production at the Avon Theatre, it is easy to understand why. It was an honour and a privilege to review a work that has become such a cornerstone of theatrical history. More than a century after it premiered, Wilde’s razor-sharp wit and observations about human nature remain remarkably relevant. Society may have changed its fashions, technologies, and social conventions, but our vanities, ambitions, pretenses, and foibles remain very much the same.
What makes The Importance of Being Earnest so enduring is Wilde’s ability to poke fun at the absurdities of human behavior while still maintaining an affection for his characters. The humour feels timeless. The audience responded with laughter throughout the performance, recognizing the same contradictions and social games that continue to play our in modern life. It is a testament to Wilde’s brilliance that dialogue written in 1885 still feels completely relatable today.
Two young men, Jack and Algernon, are on the lookout for suitable mates. Jack likes to leave his country home and spend time in the city, so he has invented a brother Earnest who is living in the fast lane and needs to be brought in line. Algernon has also invented a fake friend who is ailing and must be visited so he can travel to the country. They both take the name Earnest and unfortunately both young women, that they choose to woo, love the name Earnest, making it impossible for them to revert back to their real names. Of course, the deception results in many problems for Jack and Algernon, creating the comedy.
This production represents world-class theatre at its finest. The set design is both beautiful and majestic, creating a visual feast that perfectly complements the elegance of the play. Every detail appears carefully considered, from the quietly stated though lavish interiors to the stunning transitions between scenes. The costume design is equally impressive, capturing the period with impeccable style while enhancing the personalities of the characters who wear them.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing the fabulous Fiona Reid take on the formidable (yet hilarious) role of Lady Bracknell. Having admired her work on both the big and small screen over the years, I was thrilled to finally experience her on stage. She commanded every moment she occupied, owning the stage with confidence and the authority of a queen. I must add, (and I wasn’t the only one who noticed) there was a delightful nod to the late Catherine O’Hara, although I won’t reveal exactly why. It did receive thunderous applause, so you’ll just have to see the production for yourself to find out!
Director Krista Jackson appears to have embraced every ounce of fun this play has to offer. Her vision elevates the production with a level of camp that is perfectly judged – boldly theatrical, wonderfully over -the-top, and yet never excessive. The result is a production that feels both faithful to Wilde’s original spirit and refreshingly vibrant for contemporary audiences.
The cast as a whole is exceptional. Carter Gulseth’s Algernon Montcrieff, Allison Lynch’s Gwendolyn Fairfax, and Joe Perry’s John Worthing all bring tremendous energy and charm to their roles. Marissa Orjalo is particularly memorable as Cecily Cardew, infusing the character with buoyancy, wit, and infectious enthusiasm. There wasn’t a single weak link on stage. Even the smaller roles leave a lasting impression, contributing to a production that feels fully realized from beginning to end.
The Stratford Festival production of The Importance of Being Earnest is a magnificent celebration of one of theatre’s greatest comedies. Intelligent, visually stunning, expertly directed, and brilliantly performed, it demonstrates exactly why Wilde’s masterpiece continues to captivate audiences generation after generation. Whether you are discovering the play for the first time or returning to a beloved classic, this production is not to be missed.
The Importance of Being Earnest continues at Avon Theatre until October 23, 2026. Tickets are available at the Stratford Festival at 1-800-567-1600, or check www.stratfordfestival.ca
Photo: Fiona Reid as Lady Bracknell and Joe Perry as John Worthing, The Importance of Being Earnest. Stratford Festival 2026. Photo by David Hou.
The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Krista Jackson
Assistant Director Murdoch Schon
Set Designer Bretta Gerecke
Costume Designer Cory Sincennes
Performed by Fiona Reid, Joe Perry, Lucy Peacock, Marissa Orjalo, Allison Lynch, Carter Gulseth, Ben Carlson
Avon Theatre, Stratford
June 18 to October 23
Reviewed by Kim Kaitell