The ever-charming Nigel Havers proved to be the highlight of Oscar Wilde's the Importance of Being Earnest at Richmond Theatre.

Although one wonders if much of the credit ought to be reserved for Dicky Oldfield in this unique 'play within a play'.

Havers plays Dicky with the suavity you have come to expect from him, interacting with the rest of the cast who are, after all, all good friends in real life too.

One of Wilde's last plays, written in 1895, it explores John Worthing (Martin Jarvis) and Algernon Moncrieff (Havers) as they vie for the title to be Earnest.

With Cecily (Christine Kavanagh) and Gwendolen (Cherie Lunghi) only interested in men with the name, one of Britain's most famous farces ensues.

Havers and Jarvis resume roles which they played in 1982 and the 'play within a play' - acted out by the fictional Bunbury Company of Players - goes some way to explaining their slightly advanced years in age.

It is fast-paced, witty and intelligent but is slightly difficult to finish early on in the first half - perhaps not if you are familiar with the story?

As the play progresses, the masks and mistaken identities fade away in true Wilde fashion and it is clear to see why this play is performed time and time again.

  • The Importance of Being Earnest closes at Richmond Theatre on Saturday. Visit atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre for tickets and details.