OSCAR Wilde’s classic Victorian comedy The Importance of Being Earnest is brought to the stage by Eynsham’s Bartholomew Players this week.

When Jack Worthing goes to London from his Hertfordshire estate he says he is going to see his (fictitious) wayward brother Ernest. In the capital he keeps his privacy by calling himself Ernest – luckily so, as his beloved Gwendolen says she could only love an Ernest.

Her cousin Algy is the only person who knows the secret. He visits Hertfordshire, announcing himself to Jack’s ward, Cecily, as bad brother Ernest.

Cecily is taken with him and his name, so when Jack returns and Gwendolen arrives unexpectedly, it becomes clear there are both too many and too few Ernests.

The play is being performed at Eynsham Village Hall, in Back Lane, tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, at 7.45pm.

Tickets are £8 or £7 for concessions from Evenlode DIY, in Eynsham High Street, from Denise Santilli on 07721 744020, or on the door.

Call in case of late availability for Friday’s fundraising supper show, in aid of Eynsham Day Centre.

For more details of the Players, see bartholomewplayers.tk