OSCARWilde’s comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, currently being staged at Altrincham Little Theatre has lost none of its 19th century charm.

Set among the upper classes, it’s a gentle comedy about dashing bachelor Algernon Moncrieff (Tom Sneyd )and his chum Jack Worthing(Anthony Morris) and their efforts to become engaged to Cecily Cardew, Jack’s ward and Gwendolyn Fairfax.

When Tom’s far back Algernon pretends to be Ernest, Jack’s imaginary brother, confusion reigns

A highlight is when both girls believe they are engaged to the same man! They use snide remarks to dismiss one another whilst their men folk take to fisticuffs.

The girls’ reaction is beautifully put across by Sarah Morris as Cecily and Jacinta Russell as Gwendolen. Their glances and pauses bring out the meaning of every word.

Another memorable character is Lady Bracknell. Barbara Steel gets that posh, throaty voice just right. She declares the play’s most famous words “A handbag” with indignation and cones up with even better one liners in the final outstanding act.

Thanks to a sterling performance by Anthony Morris, Jack becomes the pivot around whom the action revolves.

The jokes are timeless and director John Chidgey ensures that the lives of the idle rich are captured with exaggeration and humour.

The costumes, particularly Lady Bracknell’s final outfit, are spectacularly good. The set illustrating three scenes, designed by the late Barry Swithenbank is a tribute to his memory.

* Until January 31. For tickets, call 0161 928 1113. Star rating: * * * * *