The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatised)

By: Oscar Wilde

Narrated by: John Gielgud

The Importance of Being Earnest is probably the wittiest comedy in the English language; it is certainly the least earnest. The subtitle, "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People", gives a clear indication of its nature. It is a play about the only subjects that Oscar Wilde would admit taking seriously: wit, elegance, and paradox. Sir John Gielgud had a particularly long association with The Importance of Being Earnest and was able to assemble a distinguished cast for this recording, which is as near to the ideal as any that could be chosen.©2007 Saland Publishing (P)2007 Saland Publishing

Dissapointing

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

What a dissapointment. This "live" recording should be wonderful, but it is so faint in some places one can hardly and mostly not hear the lines. I remember seeing the original performance years ago, and the performance of Sir John and cast were just pitch perfect for Wilde's comedy.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of John Gielgud?

No one, he is perfect.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The book/play was great. This performance, because of technical problems, is abysmal.

Any additional comments?

I should be ashamed to charge for this item. It is very flawed.

Delightful!!

What a fun and delightful story. I was so happy that audible had this version with Sir John Gielgud since my audiotape of Sir John was lost when we moved. I love this story that pokes fun at the upper crust.

the Gielgud voice - what a joy

wonderful performance by all involved