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The Importance of Being Earnest
- Narrated by: John Gielgud, Edith Evans
- Length: 1 hr and 49 mins
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The Importance of Being Earnest
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Editor reviews
With this play, which premiered in 1895, Oscar Wilde established a uniquely British style of verbal stage humor. One could say with justification that it is one of the funniest plays in the English language. Or, because plays are (in a sense) rewritten every time they're performed, potentially so. The archival radio production heard here realizes that potential in spades. A young John Gielgud takes the lead, while Dame Edith Evans steals the show as the imperious Lady Bracknell, a role for which she was famous in her lifetime. That today's American listeners won't recognize the names of the other cast members doesn't mean they're any less capable. The entire ensemble shines. The timing! The gusto! The sense of fun!
Summary
This is one of the great recordings of a great play. John Gielgud stars as Earnest and Edith Evans gives her indomitable performance as Lady Bracknell in this classic radio recording from 1951.
Performance styles may have changed, but this is an unmatched production bearing all the hallmarks of outstanding audio drama featuring some of the finest actors of the 20th century.
Also included are two collections of poetry readings by John Gielgud and Edith Evans.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
Critic reviews
"Oscar Wilde's most famous and - posthumously - successful play." (The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde)