The Importance of Being Earnest
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Overview
John loves Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn loves Ernest.Algernon loves Cecily. Cecily loves Ernest.
Ernest, however, does not exist.
Only the formidable Lady Bracknell (Daniel Jacobs/Vinegar Strokes) can bring this romantic farce to order as 2021 Sir Peter Hall Directors Award-winner, Denzel Westley-Sanderson, breathes fresh new life and high-society campness into Oscar Wilde’s sharpest and wittiest comedy: The Importance of Being Earnest.
This theatrical romp is a joyous celebration of the LGBTQIA+ people, strong female characters, drag performers and black Victorians that so often get written out of period productions. A rollicking good night out that’s the perfect antidote to the dire reality of modern life!
Post-show discussion: The performance on Thu 6 Oct (7.30pm) will be followed by a post-show discussion.
Supported by a grant from the Royal Theatrical Support Trust.
Road closures
The Great Run Company has announced the rescheduled dates for The Great North 5k and the Junior and Mini GNR. There are some road closures in and around the Quayside that may affect your journey to and from Northern Stage.
FRI 7 OCT
Newcastle Quayside closed from 2pm-7pm
Sandhill, Close and Swing Bridge closed from 3pm-9pm
More information is available here.
SAT 8 OCT
Newcastle Quayside closed from 2pm-7pm
Sandhill and Swing Bridge closed from 6am-7pm
Close closed from 6am-9pm
More information is available here.
12+
Directed by Denzel Westley-Sanderson
Designed by Lily Arnold
Lighting Design by Zoe Spurr
Sound Design by Beth Duke
Movement Direction by Tinovimbanashe Sibanda
Assistant Direction by Becca Chadder
Dramaturgy by Phillippe Cato
Casting Direction by Bryony Jarvis Taylor
“A delightful romp that is intelligently subversive”
The Stage ★★★★
“A really fine Earnest … witty and entertaining”
“Has an effortless wit that puts other stage comedies in the shade”
British Theatre Guide
Production images credit Mark Senior
Accompanying the tour is The Black Chronicles Exhibition in a Box, a pop-up photography display, showcasing studio portraits depicting sitters of African, Caribbean and South Asian descent during the Victorian era in Britain.
The display is part of Black Chronicles – The Missing Chapter, an ongoing curatorial research programme led by Autograph, focused on unearthing nineteenth-century photographs of black presences in Britain’s archives.
There are two entrances to the theatre, Kings Road Entrance (this is the taxi drop-off/collection point) and the Main Entrance.
Both level entrances have automated doors. These lead into the foyer area where you will find the Restaurant, Bar, Box Office and entrances to Stages 1, 2 and 3.
STEP FREE ACCESS
Northern Stage is fully accessible. The theatre has three lifts providing access to all parts of the building, including the accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, stages 2 & 3 and the backstage area. Buggy parking is available
WHEELCHAIR SPACES
There are five wheelchair positions in Stage 1, two positions in Stage 2 and all seats are removeable in Stage 3.
TOILETS
We have a Changing Places toilet in the Stage 1 lobby and accessible toilets in Stage 3 and Stage 2 lower entrance lobby. Gender neutral toilets are situated in the Stage 2 lower entrance lobby.
HEARING ENHANCEMENT
Induction loop system in all public spaces, and an infra-red system in all three stages. (In Stage 1 the induction loop is best covered in rows E – L).
ASSISTANCE
One free ticket for the assistant of a disabled person who is not able to attend unaccompanied.
BOOKING COMPANION SEATING
To book a free ticket for a wheelchair companion or an assistant, contact our Box Office on 0191 230 5151, via email at boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk or by visiting our Box Office in person.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide, hearing and all working dogs are welcome here.
SEAT ACCESSIBILITY
Stage 1: Seats are 43 cm wide, 41cm deep, with 46cm between arm rests. The aisleway is 51cm deep from the seat back. Arm rests cannot be removed.
Stage 2: Seats are 40cm wide, 41cm deep. The aisleway is 64cm deep from the seat back. There are no arm rests.
Our seats are rated to British Standards at installation and are guaranteed to hold up to 110kg.
More Information
To discuss any access needs, take a look at our access page or please call our Box Office on 0191 230 5151.