Considered by many to be the wittiest English comedy ever, this brisk yet faithful adaptation retains all the plot elements and classic lines while presenting the charming farce in under an hour.  There’s never been a more accessible adaptation to introduce new generations to this timeless theatre delight, thanks to the abbreviated running time, balanced cast, and optional brief narrations by Algernon Moncrieff’s butler, Lane (who later plays Jack’s butler, Merriman). 

Good friends Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing both have created fictitious personalities to help them avoid their social obligations.  Jack, in fact, lives a completely double life.  When at his country home, where he is ward to the lovely Cecily, he goes by his given name, Jack.  While in the city visiting his pal and courting Algernon’s beautiful cousin Gwendolen, he is Ernest. 

Hilarity ensues as Algernon travels to the country and also takes on the false identity of Ernest in order to court Cecily.  When the two lovely ladies realize they are both engaged to Ernest Worthing, it takes much earnest — and hysterical — conversation before true love can prevail.