Say It Again, Sorry? presents a one-of-a-kind, different-every-night comedy sensation, perfect for fans of The Play That Goes Wrong and Noises Off!
When a traditional production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play gets underway, everything seems to be going perfectly to plan… that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue and an audience member is chosen to star in the show.
You might think you know this chaotic story of love, mistaken identity and double-lives, but you have never seen it like this before. Filled with wicked Wildean wit and bursting with Bunburying, join us for a hilarious and unpredictable twist on the world’s favourite comedy classic.
The show is heading out on an extensive UK Tour from February 19th. Ahead of this we caught up with Simon Paris, Artistic Director and co-founder of Say It Again, Sorry?
What can you tell me about ...Earnest?
...Earnest? is a truly unique theatrical experience. Imagine the main actor playing Ernest in Oscar Wilde’s classic play doesn’t arrive, and instead, a real audience member is asked to step into their role. From there, the rest of the cast are gradually replaced by other audience members until no actors remain on stage. It’s as mad and brilliant as it sounds, and 218 shows later, it’s proven that this concept not only works but creates something extraordinary every single time.
Where did the inspiration for the piece come from?
The spark for ...Earnest? came from our festival walkabout show Easel Peasel. In that project, artists who had lost their paintings enlisted festival-goers to create two-minute portraits, culminating in a community-driven exhibition. That energy inspired us to explore what would happen if we made audience members the stars of the show. ...Earnest? became a natural evolution of that concept, turning unsuspecting individuals into the stars of the performance.
The spark for ...Earnest? came from our festival walkabout show Easel Peasel. In that project, artists who had lost their paintings enlisted festival-goers to create two-minute portraits, culminating in a community-driven exhibition. That energy inspired us to explore what would happen if we made audience members the stars of the show. ...Earnest? became a natural evolution of that concept, turning unsuspecting individuals into the stars of the performance.
The production hinges on audience participation. How do you prepare for the unexpected?
The beauty of ...Earnest? is its unpredictability. Each performance is entirely shaped by the audience members who volunteer. It’s as if there are as many versions of the show as there are people in the world. Even after 218 performances, we never stop refining- reviewing, gathering feedback, and learning from every show.
One standout moment occurred at the Darlington Hippodrome, where a wheelchair user in the audience revealed her talent as a piano teacher. Despite venue challenges, we made it possible for her to perform on stage for the first time ever. Her stunning piano piece showcased not only her skill but the incredible power of inclusion and embracing people’s unique talents.
How has the production grown since its first performance?
The journey has been transformative. When we premiered on July 15th, 2019, the show was wonderfully chaotic. Audience members tearing wallpaper, backstage tours, and a confetti-filled finale with everyone on stage. Over time, we’ve refined it into something more accessible and polished while retaining its playful heart. Some gags from that original madness remain as cherished callbacks, but the show now speaks to a much wider audience.
Why does this classic story fit into your improvisational comedy?
Interestingly, very little of Oscar Wilde’s original play remains in ...Earnest?, but what’s left fits perfectly. Asking an audience member to step into the shoes of an actor playing a character whose identity is mistaken aligns seamlessly with the meta-chaos we create. It’s a surprising but natural pairing.
Where did your arts career begin?
My pivotal moment was taking my first show, The Curse of Elizabeth Faulkner, to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013. The energy and excitement of that festival opened my eyes to how engaging and dynamic theatre could be. It also helped me define what resonates with me in theatre and maybe more importantly, what doesn’t.
How do you reflect on your career to date?
This year marks a decade since I graduated with a Theatre Directing BA from Middlesex University. The projects that feel most meaningful like ...Earnest? are those that connect deeply with audiences, offering them moments of surprise and joy.
This year marks a decade since I graduated with a Theatre Directing BA from Middlesex University. The projects that feel most meaningful like ...Earnest? are those that connect deeply with audiences, offering them moments of surprise and joy.
The most valuable thing I’ve learned is that we are all figuring this out as we go, failure is not only okay, but it’s one of the most valuable learning tools available and that things are much easier if you are doing them with your friends.
Looking forward, if I can keep creating work that brings people joy, connects with audiences, and is surrounded by people I care about, I’ll consider the next 10 years a success.
How has your experience shaped the work you want to create?
...Earnest? has solidified my belief that theatre is at its best when it invites the audience to be the final ingredient. I find it hard to engage with theatre that doesn’t change when presented to an empty room. The magic happens in the connection between performers and the audience.
What keeps you inspired?
After every show, we host a 15-minute meet-and-greet where audiences chat with us and sometimes ask if the audience-actors were plants! Watching the impact the show has on people and hearing their stories of how it resonated with them is endlessly inspiring. If you ever need a creative boost, spend time connecting with the audiences your work touches.
What was the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on you?
At my first Edinburgh Fringe in 2013, I saw The Play That Goes Wrong in a 158-seat theatre. It was my first experience with meta-theatre, and it opened my eyes to the potential of creating stories that are rooted in the theatrical experience itself. I’ve also drawn immense inspiration from Nathan Fielder, Bo Burnham, and Derren Brown for the ways they innovate, surprise, and play with audiences.
What do you want an audience member to feel after seeing ...Earnest?
We want every audience member to walk away knowing they have the potential to be the main character in their own story. A little bravery can transform an ordinary day into an unforgettable moment.
Where can readers see ...Earnest?
We’re embarking on a UK tour from February to June, performing in 30 towns and cities. Wherever you are, chances are we’ll be visiting near you soon.
Visit www.earnestshow.co.uk for the tour schedule and who knows, We might even see you on stage!
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