Earnest? Review

June 13, 2025

Earnest? Review

12th-14th June 2025 (Richmond Theatre), within UK Tour

Noises Off, The Play That Goes Wrong … and now Earnest? We know the style; we probably know the formula but there is still something irresistibly tempting about the prospect of seeing the show which inevitably falls apart.

This time it is Oscar Wilde’s classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, reduced in more ways than one to simply ‘Earnest?’, that suffers the misfortune of not going quite to plan, and believe me that is an understatement.

“The cast deliver commendable performances and their ability to maintain composure and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics brought on by audience participation is impressive.”

The play opens and all seems to be going perfectly well until that is, the lead actor misses his cue. Do the other actors improvise? Does the show stop? … well not exactly, for another solution is found.

Earnest? is a comedy show that attempts to blend farce, audience participation, and improvisation. The premise is simple: when the lead actor doesn’t turn up, an audience member is thrust into the role. Yes, you read that right! This of course, leads to a cascade of chaotic events and mishaps.

Whilst this may seem like a fun course of events, the process of recruiting new cast members from the large auditorium at Richmond Theatre seemed to drag, As the show progressed, more audience members were brought up on stage, this time being asked to audition, which again, whilst humorous, had the feel of a game show host filling time.

The cast deliver commendable performances and their ability to maintain composure and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics brought on by audience participation is impressive. However, the increasing number of audience members on stage can sometimes overshadow the actual cast, leading to moments where the performance feels more chaotic than comedic. One may ask the question, why have I paid to watch my fellow audience members on stage?

For those who enjoy interactive theatre and are willing to embrace the unpredictability, Earnest? offers a unique experience. The enthusiasm of the audience participants is infectious, and there are moments of genuine humour.

The production, which earned critical acclaim when it opened at the Pleasance in the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe is great fun, and I can see how well it would have worked in a festival environment, perhaps in a more intimate space? However, sitting in the Dress circle of a large theatre possibly reduced the impact of the piece.

Earnest? is a show that aims to push the boundaries of traditional theatre by incorporating audience participation. While it succeeds in moments, the overall experience is inconsistent. It’s a commendable effort that may appeal to those seeking something different, but it won’t resonate with everyone and if you’d rather watch than perform, pick your seats very carefully.