A first look at the new digital production of The Importance of Being Earnest

Exclusive first look pictures have been revealed for the Lawrence Batley Theatre and The Dukes’ digital production The Importance of Being Earnest.

Adapted by Yasmeen Khan and directed by Mina Anwar, this brand-new adaptation brings Wilde’s classic comedy bang up to date, and into the world of the modern sitcom. 

Gurjeet Singh (Ackley Bridge) takes on the title role of Earnest/Jamil, alongside Tom Dixon (The HandleBards) as Algy, Mina Anwar (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), as Ms Begum, Nikki Patel (Coronation Street) as Gul, Zoe Iqbal (Ackley Bridge) as Safina and Melanie Marshall (Jane Eyre) as Miss Prism. 

With appearances from finalist of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Divina De Campo as herself, star of stage and screen Paul Chahidi as international film director Steve Merriman, award-winning actor, comedian and writer Hugh Dennis as Tony, actress Harriet Thorpe as Algy’s agent Alison and comedian Sindhu Vee as daytime TV presenter, Libby. 

The production has been directed by Mina Anwar who also plays the role of Ms Begum, with costume & set design by Holly Pigott, composition and sound edit by Dave Bintley, lighting design by Douglas Kuhrt and assistant direction from Eleri Jones and Olivia Race. 

The production will run from Monday 19 April until Tuesday 4 May and transposes the original narrative of Wilde’s classic comedy to the cobbles and stone walls of the north. The updated narrative follows the story of struggling actor Jamil and rom-com star Algy, who come together in the pursuit of love, being true to yourself and Nando’s. 

The Importance of Being Earnest has been captured on location at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and The Dukes in Lancaster, and is set to push the theatrical form by combining traditional theatrical techniques with film and radio play. 

Tickets are available internationally from importanceofbeingearnest.com with audience members receiving a link at the point of booking which will activate at 00:01 GMT on their booked performance date for a 48-hour period.