While trying to stage Oscar Wilde’s play, The Importance of Being Earnest, awkwardness ensues when a lead actor goes missing. That is the premise which sets the stage for this frenetic comedy where everything goes increasingly sideways creating some very funny moments.
There is a lot going on, actors swapping costumes for dual roles, tea swapped for whiskey, men dressed as women, bicycle accidents, muffin mishaps, solo sword fights, and even character arcs from stage hands, all vying with witty Oscar Wilde dialogue for the spotlight.
Don’t leave your brain at the door for this show, you’re going to need it to keep up, and be sure to grab a promotional hand fan, that’s going to come in handy to self air condition on warm Adelaide Fringe nights.
Excellent characterisations from the English cast, ploughing through scenes where their rehearsed movements and lines are adhered to, while replacement cast from the audience ineptly try to keep up are particularly vicariously hilarious.
If you get triggered or anxious from the feeling that things are only just holding together, then you should take this review as a disclaimer.
If you have a secret skill, like being able to play an instrument or speak in an accent, then you might get drafted, but if your special skill is just being able to laugh and enjoy a funny show, and watch other people show their secret skill, well then you’re invited too.
This is where I would like to seem smarter by dropping a pertinent Oscar Wilde quote or aphorism. But as Oscar Wilde said “in matters of great importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing” – so I think I’m off the hook. (the reviewer strikes a pose to seem more stylish and less sincere)
…Earnest?
The Peacock at Gluttony – Rymill Park, Adelaide
Performance: Saturday 21 February 2026
Season continues to 22 March 2026
Information and Bookings: www.adelaidefringe.com.au
Image: Rhys Tees and Guido Garcia Lueches star in …Earnest? (supplied)
Review: Daniel McInnes