THEATRE ZONE

Two Oscar Wilde plays – one comic and one tragic – will be brought to life in Berkshire this month, in very different production styles.

Tuesday April 12 to Saturday April 16 The Importance of Being Earnest Theatre Royal Windsor

Oscar Wilde’s much-loved classic comedic masterpiece comes to life in a radio-style production which highlights its witty wordplay.

Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff wish to marry Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, but their courtship of the ladies is complicated by the doublelives the two gentleman lead. Chaos and hilarity ensues as Jack struggles to convince Gwendolen’s mother, the intimidating Lady Bracknell, he is a worthy suitor and the gentlemen’s false identities sees them caught in a trap of their own making.

The cast includes Christopher Biggins, Jenny Seagrove and Liza Goddard.

Wednesday April 27 to Saturday April 30 Salomé

South Hill Park

Set on the terrace of Herod’s palace in 30AD, Oscar Wilde’s extraordinary early work, translated from its original French, tells the story of Salomé, the beautiful and seductive stepdaughter of Herod.

Studio Theatre Company Producer Luke Burton said: “We always like to try something different and most people will have heard of Oscar Wilde, but not necessarily this particular work of his. So of course, we jump at this kind of opportunity to showcase lesser known works of one of the most famous playwrights of all time. There are definitely elements of Wilde in this play mixed with old Roman folklore – what’s not to like.”

Don’t miss this seductive yet tragic play Salomé. You may even be inspired to join the Studio Theatre Company for their next production.