THEATRE REVIEW: The Importance of Being Earnest at Sheffield Botanical Gardens

But whichever you are, Heartbreak Productions brings out all of Wilde’s sparkling satire as the idle rich expose themselves to mockery.

One of his most famous characters, Lady Bracknell, who is firmly attached to the status quo, profoundly approves of John “Ernest” Worthing’s ignorance, which she sees as a very desirable characteristic for society as a whole.

“The whole theory of modern education,” she pronounces, “is radically unsound.

“Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever.

“If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square.”

The beautiful gardens on a warm summer’s night provide a backdrop perfectly suited for Wilde’s comedy of manners, exploring the themes of how we represent ourselves to others, and how we can be true to ourselves.

Shifting the setting to 1929 allows the “Bright Young Things” to party, giving the characters, especially Cecily (Lottie Johnson) a youthful and energetic exuberance.

Yvette Bruin’s Lady Bracknell seems less ancient and more modern than in other versions, allowing Wilde’s razor sharp wit to shine more brightly.

The “handbag” scene is a neatly underplayed comic gem.

After a slowish start, director Milla Jackson kept up a sprightly pace as the five actors - all apart from the excellent Arthur Velarde as foundling Worthing playing multiple parts - hit their stride in style.

The charming Velarde is well matched with Tania Staite as a delightful Gwendolen, and Ross Townsend Green is a wonderful star turn as both the roguish Algernon and a screeching, dithering Miss Prism.

Johnson also makes for a funny, lugubrious butler as Lane while Bruin doubles up nicely as Rev Canon Chasuble.

Kate Wragg’s design works perfectly as Heartbreak’s trademark stagecraft skills are once again outstanding.

Open air theatre can be prone to inaudibility and just occasionally, from where I was sat, the odd word could not be heard.

But that could not detract from a superb evening going Wilde in the gardens.