'TO lose one parent is unfortunate, to lose both is careless!' The signature wit of Oscar Wilde in his timeless classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, comes to Sarisbury Green tonight and tomorrow.

With acid wit, the play explores the trials and tribulations of falling in love. Jack Worthing is in love with the Honourable Gwendolen Fairfax and wants to marry her. However he must first overcome Gwendolen's abhorrence of the name Jack, and then overcome the objections of Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen's formidable mother. Lady Bracknell is astonished at Jack's carelessness in losing his parents, the fact that he appears to have been bred in a handbag and does not believe that Jack is earnest enough for her daughter. Will love triumph over adversity?

The show is directed by Eddie Luigi, a keen Wilde fan. He says: "The Irish have a wonderful way with the English language and none more so than Oscar Wilde. He had a keen eye and sharp tongue for the social foibles of his age and a ready wit to exploit them to best advantage for the stage. It is a delight to direct a group of excellent players and see the comic genius of Wilde come to life."

Playing the role of Lady Bracknell is Tara Hutton from Sarisbury Green. For Tara, 33, a member of Sarisbury Theatre Group for two years, this is her first major part. She says: "Lady Bracknell is certainly a role to live up to and, of course, this means that people may have their own view of how the role should be played and how those famous lines should be delivered."

Sarisbury Community Centre, Sarisbury Green tonight and Saturday February 19 at 8pm. Tickets £6 and £4. Box office: 023 9237 5249.