Filled with sharp one-liners, mistaken identities and alter egos, the Senior Drama production of Oscar Wilde’s timeless classic The Importance of Being Earnest is set to unfold at Newington in an evening of searing satire.

A tale that has delighted and amused audiences since Victorian times, director and Drama teacher Mr Zac Pincini says Newington’s upcoming rendition of the famed comedy at the Duckmanton Theatre remains as relevant today as it was 131 years ago.

‘The play has aged so well, it’s like it was written yesterday,’ he says. ‘It presents social archetypes of people you will see walking the streets or know personally today – which I think speaks to how well written the original text is.’

In a story penned against the backdrop of a rigid, class-conscious society, Wilde charts the exploits of Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff – both of whom pretend to be someone they’re not, only to find themselves trapped in a tangle of mistaken identities, romance and satirical slapstick.

For Tom B, Year 11 student and Captain of Drama, playing the character of Algernon offers a satisfying opportunity to stretch and extend his performance skills.

‘I’ve really been able to refine my acting techniques by playing this character,’ says Tom, who has studied Drama since Year 7 and who earlier this year joyously brought the character of Donkey to life in the College’s production of Shrek the Musical.

‘The Importance of Being Earnest is challenging because I’m in all three acts in a show that runs for two-and-a-half hours, and I have a lot of lines. I’ve got most of it down now, but I’m still refining my performance so I can get the words out more quickly, and in a way that not only makes sense to the audience, but is entertaining, funny and pushes the plot forward.’

The show has a cast of eight as well as a crew of eight and is jointly directed by Mr Pincini and Mr Benjamin Brockman, Newington Theatre Operations Manager (and internationally acclaimed lighting and set designer).

‘This play has obviously been done many times throughout history, and a lot of people who come to see it will be familiar with the plot and have certain expectations – so thinking about how we can subvert those or provide a fresher perspective is really important,’ says Mr Pincini.

‘Mr Brockman has been the driving force behind the overarching visual aesthetic of the entire production, as well as the set design, and has been absolutely phenomenal in terms of playing around with the theatre space and how we can best utilise it for that purpose.’

With the culmination of all their hard work fast approaching, Tom says he is excited to be the actor who opens the show.

‘I will be the first one onstage, which is very cool – I’m looking forward to having my friends and family there to see me bringing Algernon to life.’

Mr Paul Eastway, Head of Drama, says being involved in productions at the College is a fantastic opportunity for growth and is an experience the cast and crew will reference and remember long after leaving school.

‘The breadth of opportunity for students interested in Drama is enormous at Newington and getting up on stage is something every young person should experience. It builds confidence, teamwork as well as developing social and emotional intelligence,’ he says.

The Importance of Being Earnest runs from Wednesday 11 November to Saturday 14 November at 7.00pm in the Duckmanton Drama Theatre.

For more information about creative and performing arts at Newington, click here.

Did you know?

• Drama at the Stanmore Senior campus provides a creative outlet for students of any experience level who do not study Drama as a subject, while also allowing Drama students to further their performance skills across several areas including singing, acting and dancing.
• Through self-expression in the arts, Newington students learn focus, self-discipline, innovation, creativity and emotional expression as well as verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 
• Students also achieve academic excellence through a rigorous academic, wellbeing and co-curricular education that cares for the whole child and helps produce kind, curious and courageous global citizens. 
• Newington offers more than 50 co-curricular sports, clubs and activities so every student can discover their passion.
• This year in Year 12 HSC Drama, six Newington students received nominations from National Education Standards Authority (NESA) for excellence in group drama performance, with five students also nominated for excellence in an individual drama performance. These students were nominated from nearly 3000 students across NSW who studied HSC Drama in 2026. Students selected from the statewide nominations will go on to perform at NESA’s prestigious showcase, OnSTAGE, in Sydney in February.

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