Oscar Wilde’s sharp and spirited English comedy, which debuted at St. James’s Theatre in 1895, was last offered at Mount Tabor a quarter century ago.

I would attend for the standout cast alone, never mind Oscar. James Finlay Fraser both directs and stars as the duplicitous Algernon Moncrieff. David Baker leads in the role of man-about-town Jack Worthing, and local stage veteran Pat Larkin offers a redoubtable Lady Bracknell.

Mr. Finlay Fraser believes revisiting the classics is essential for challenging and inspiring audiences in a world of diluted storytelling.

“Live theatre brings us together to experience and share these timeless tales. This is why I wanted to take part in the Mummers when I moved to Milford last year, as well as immerse myself in theatre in the County,” he said.

Live performance has been a core love since he was five. He studied classics and Shakespeare at university, and participated in many stage productions.  

When Earnest premiered in 1895, it was hailed as a brilliant and witty triumph, a “trivial comedy for serious people,” that challenged the rigid social conventions and hypocrisies of Victorian high society. The play remains a landmark of English drama. In continuous performance since its premiere, it has been adapted for film, radio, and television, and is a staple in theatre around the world. It is described as “one of the most perfect plays in English.” 

Wilde’s quick-tempo prose and snapping wit makes staging the play a challenge.

“The language is precise, both in historical accuracy as well as its perfect comic writing, so it has to be respected and delivered exactly. You can’t take a best guess,” he explained. “Pace is vital to the show’s success. It is very important to have a tight production.”

The actors warm up each rehearsal with a series of tongue twisters delivered with impeccable Victorian-era accents. Jean Parker as Gwendolen Fairfax, Michael Code as the Rev. Chasuble, Wendy Roy as Miss Prism, Sarah Kirby as Lane and Merriman, and Kodie Trahan-Guay as Cecily Cardew fill out the cast.

Mummers chair Jennifer Sills recalls the Mummers performing the play 26 years ago. Directed by John Burns and starring Lori Farrington, John McCarthay, Charlene Insley, David Sunnucks, Wes Hicks and Steve Halloran, the production resonated with local audiences.

“When James suggested it this year, the Mummers were excited to bring it back to Mount Tabor.  It was a great success in 1999,” Ms. Sills said. “Now we have a new director, new actors and a new production team. We hope audiences enjoy the chance to revisit the story.”  

The production kicked off at Mount Tabor Playhouse September 24 and continues to Oct. 5.