Claire Horsley is making her directional debut with the Rowntree Players’ production of The Importance Of Being Earnest.

Oscar Wilde’s high-society comedy will be staged at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, from Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm nightly.

Here is a quick refresher course: two young gentlemen living in 1890s England have taken to bending the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives. Algernon Moncrieff, played by Leon Thompson, regularly visits his imaginary sick friend Bunbury to find adventure in the country, while Jack Worthing (Luke Dunford) has invented a brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull country life behind.

Complications arise when Algernon “borrows” the name Ernest in order to visit Worthing’s young and beautiful ward, Cecily (Samantha Holmes). The handsome Jack begins to court the ravishing Gwendolyn (Laura Peterson), whereupon he is quizzed as to his origins by Lady Bracknell (Chris Higgins), Gwendolyn’s mother.

After Jack famously has to admit to having been found in a handbag, it comes to light that Miss Prism (Nancy Brooks) lost a similar handbag many years before, and with the vicar, Dr Chasuble (Graham Smith), in hot pursuit of Miss Prism’s affections, the plot thickens.

Steve Tearle as Lane and Geoff Walker as Merriman, the two butlers, add to the many twists and turns of this much loved comedy of manners.

“This is a great play that stands the test of time with one genius line after another,” says Claire. “As each white lie bears fruit, we really are treated to a relentless stream of fantastically witty revelations. With an amazing cast that has worked so hard, I really believe the audience will be treated to a level of performance this classic piece naturally deserves.”

Tickets can be booked online at rowntreeplayers.co.uk or by phoning 07927 026071 and will be on sale on the door too.

• Rowntree Players are to hold an open evening on Friday, June 10, at 7.30pm at the Georgian Hotel, Bootham, York, for anyone interested in directing or becoming a member of this long-established theatre group.

The annual general meeting will take place at the Groves Club, Lowther Street, York, on Tuesday, July 12; all are welcome. For further information, visit rowntreeplayers.co.uk