Last week, I had the good fortune to go and see the Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s most endearing play, performed at the Rose theatre in Kingston. Playfully adapted by Denzel Westley Sanderson, the play has been sympathetically modernised, ready to open doors to new audiences that may not have previously experienced the delight of Wilde’s elegant prose.

A classic example of hilarious miscommunication combined with the typically up-tight nature of Victorian society, Wilde’s uproariously funny play delights in the contrasts that he presents, something that is accentuated by Lily Arnold’s delightful costumes, co-ordinating the two couples perfectly. Wilde’s play was originally more satirical, Westley Sanderson’s adaption is more comedic, and although some traditionalists may object to the more pantomimesque jokes, the frequent bursts of laughter from the audience suggested that they enjoyed it.

The cast entered to the lively “Akinla” from the African Suite by Fela Sowande, and from that moment on the entire theatre was entranced. Algernon (Abiola Owokoniran) was particularly satisfying to watch, combining Wilde’s signature wit with a very modern sense of humour to provide a flippant and yet stylish character still recognisable today. “I really enjoyed the overall choreography of movement around the stage,” said Nicky Tuck, another member of the audience. “I also felt that the introduction of more modern themes were subtly implemented and did not detract from the original play.” The decision to have Dr Chasuble played by Anita Reynolds instead of a male actor worked very well - an addition that Oscar Wilde would certainly have approved of.

The play was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, with Wilde’s triviality towards marriage and family never failing to make the audience chuckle, leaving everyone beaming as they departed into the chill November air.

The Importance of Being Earnest is at the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames until the 12th November.