The Importance Of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest is beloved for its wit, satire, and gleeful skewering of Victorian respectability. But beneath the dazzling dialogue lies something more radical: a world built on performance — of identity, class, and desire.

The play follows two young men, Jack and Algernon, who create elaborate alter egos — “Ernest” — to escape social obligations and pursue love. But when their deceptions unravel, chaos ensues in a world where truth is slippery, and appearances are everything.

This production is fast, furious and wickedly funny. With an entirely South Australian cast, we’re serving up the very best talent with teeth, sparkle, and a whole lot of nerve. Prepare yourself for a bold and joyful night at the theatre.

CONTENT
References to alcohol, period attitudes towards class, gender and marriage.

RUN TIME
100 minutes no interval.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a 2026 Subscription package.

Package 4-7 Plays from our main season to access the best seats in the house, discounted ticket prices and exclusive benefits. Plus, get priority access and discounts for our Add-on shows.

Click here for information on how to Subscribe.

Single tickets will be available to purchase from 8 December 2025.

Audio Described Performances and Pre-Show Briefing for blind and vision impaired patrons
Saturday, 16 May, 1.00pm (briefing), 2.00pm (performance)
Monday, 18 May, 5.30pm (briefing), 6.30pm (performance), with a post-show Q&A

Captioned Performances for deaf and hard of hearing patrons
Wednesday, 20 February, 11.00am
Wednesday, 20 February, 6.30pm

Relaxed Perforamnce
Saturday, 16 May, 2.00pm

Wheelchair access & Companion Cards
Wheelchair accessible seats, companion cards and other accessible bookings can be made via phone on 08 8415 5353 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm), or via email at tickets@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Visit the Access page for more information on our Access Program.

Subscriber Briefing
2026 Subscribers are invited to join us for an exclusive Subscriber Briefing to learn more about the creation of the show.
– Monday, 4 May, 6.00pm

Post Show Q&As
We hold Q&As with our artists and creative teams so that you can ask questions about the production.
– Monday, 18 May
– Wednesday, 20 May(matinee performance)

A Date with State
Supported by the Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card, join us for our 2026 A Date With State program, with pre-show tea and coffee before the performance and a post-show Q&A.
– Wednesday, 20 May, 10.00am (pre-show tea and coffee), 11.00am (performance)

State Theatre Company South Australia is offering two school performances as part of our season of The Importance of Being Earnest. Visit the State Educate resources page for the Study Guide and What to Expect.

School performances
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

• Thursday 14 May 11:00am
• Wednesday 27 May 11:00am

Check performance availability here

Complete booking form here

Any enquiries should be directed to education@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Venue Access

This show will be performed at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre.

The recommended Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre drop off zone is at the northern end of the Riverbank Footbridge on War Memorial Drive (walk across the Footbridge to Dunstan Playhouse) or at the Intercontinental Hotel (walk north between the Intercontinental Hotel and Railway Station along the laneway to the Riverbank). There is also a drop off area and two accessible car spaces on lower Festival Drive, accessible from the west via Montefiore Road.

Getting to the Venue

Adelaide Festival Centre is easily accessible by public transport, including the tram (stop at Railway Station), trains, buses and a free bus service that operates on a loop throughout the city and North Adelaide with stops on the corner of King William Road and North Terrace.

For more information visit https://adelaidemetro.com.au/

For information about parking near the Adelaide Festival Centre, please click here.

Dining Options

Malt Shovel Taphouse
Located at the Adelaide Festival Centre at the end of the Adelaide Oval footbridge
Open Wednesday 3pm-11pm and Thursday – Sunday 11.30am-late

The Strathmore Hotel
Located 5 minutes from the Dunstan Playhouse at 29 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Open 7 days, 11am – 3am