The Importace of Being Earnest

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Last Saturday we went to the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. We haven't been to this theatre for many years, simply because there has been very little we wanted to see. So, we were delighted to spot a production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Always a firm favourite.

The Royal Exchange is a magnificent theatre, probably one of the best examples of theatre in the round. We were so pleased to be back again, watching an excellent production of this timeless play.

Many theatre critics didn't like the revamping of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy, but we really enjoyed it. It was silly and funny; and yes, maybe some of Wilde's more acerbic social commentary was lost in this 21st century update, but there was new social commentary with relevance for today's audience. Cecily records all of her thoughts on, and lives through, her smartphone. Gwendoline uploads photos of her engagement ring to Instagram! In many ways, watching this so-familiar play through the prism (!) of modern manners and modes, makes Wilde's social commentary even more acerbic.

We thoroughly enjoyed our long awaited return to the Royal Exchange and are keeping our fingers crossed for some more good theatre later in the year.