The timeless wit, class and elegance of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance Of Being Earnest will be on show in Keighley from next week.

This enduringly popular play is being staged by Keighley Playhouse from March 10 to 15. It will be directed by Kevin Moore.

The impeccably refined comedy plot features a Jack Worthing who invents a ‘brother’, Ernest, to explain his frequent absences from his country home to enjoy his social life in London. He wins the hand of Gwendolen, who inadvertently complicates matters by declaring she loves him only because his name is Ernest.

Meanwhile, Jack’s incorrigible friend Algernon presents himself as Ernest to Jack’s ward Cecily. He woos her and she accepts his proposal of marriage.

Enter the formidable Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen’s aunt, who insists on investigating Jack’s background and lifestyle.

The play is a brilliant comedy of mistaken identity and ridiculous codes of propriety and etiquette.

Mr Moore said: “Oscar Wilde’s satire stands the test of time. Set in Victorian London, this high-energy production will have you in fits of laughter as men-about-town Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff pursue Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew.

The playful sparring between Jack and Algernon is the heart of the play. But matters are complicated by the imaginary characters invented by both men.

“Essentially, it’s about relationships and partnerships,” said Mr Moore. “Take away the opulent setting, the elegant flamboyant style and you are left with the most selfish, egotistical people to grace this earth.”

He added that while the play’s humour comes from the characters’ confused sense of values, we all still need a bit of ‘Earnest’ in our lives.

Performances of the play begin at 7.30pm. Tickets range from £5 to £7, and are available by calling the box office on 07599 890769 during office hours.

E-mail keighleyplayhouse@btinternet. com for reminders of forthcoming plays and events or for further information.