Smash hit show Earnest? set for stages at Lighthouse Poole and Mayflower Studios in Southampton

THE revolutionary smash hit Edinburgh Fringe Festival show Earnest? is coming to Lighthouse Poole and Mayflower Studios in Southampton.

Promising to deliver a madcap spectacle that becomes a new performance each night, the show stars former New Forest Players youth member Josh Haberfield, who recently appeared in panto at Lighthouse Poole.

Oscar Wilde’s much-loved play The Importance of Being Earnest is delightfully derailed as audience members are asked to step into the spotlight to replace an ever-thinning cast, sparked by the lead actor playing Ernest failing to arrive on that famous cue.

With stage whiskey being swapped, off-the-cuff auditions being held and portraits painted aplenty, Earnest? incorporates skilled slapstick and expert comic timing to create a quintessentially British farce. Its innovative format aims to provide joy and connect audiences to their inner thespian.

The Importance of Being… Earnest?, now renamed to …Earnest?, premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2021 and returned for the three years following. The hour-long production has been extended into a full two-act run for the UK tour.

So far, the show has cast almost 2,000 audience members, proving that everyone, no matter their background or experience, has a place in the spotlight.

Director and co-writer Simon Paris said “We are very excited to bring Earnest? back to audiences across the country and share our unique blend of chaos, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling. This show celebrates the magic of live theatre- where anything can happen and often does.”

Josh Haberfield, who plays the role of hapless director Simon Slough, added: “It’s more like coming for an experience because it’s completely unique, no two shows are ever the same.

“As far as we know no-one has been brave – or stupid – enough to invite random audience members up on stage and get them to improvise.”

Earnest? will be at Lighthouse Poole from 27th February to 1st March, and then at Mayflower Studios from 6th to 8th March. Tickets are from £19.50. To book visit lighthousepoole.co.uk and mayflower.org.uk