“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does, and that is his.”

If you know this quote you’ll probably also be familiar with this one: “In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing.” Well style will most certainly be in abundance when one of Essex’s most beautiful estates opens its gates to host one of Oscar Wilde’s most beloved plays.

As a rare treat, the Hylands House in Chelmsford is set to host a theatrical treat this Thursday (May 31). Oscar Wilde’s cherished ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ will be performed inside the neoclassical building by Split Second Productions - but perhaps not quite as you may know it.

Billed as a hilarious, two man re-imagining of the classic smash hit play, the production is currently touring 20 of the county’s most beautiful castles, palaces and manor houses. And it will be Hylands turn this week as ‘guests’ are invited to join Lady Bracknell for tea and drinks from 6.30pm on the estate, ahead of the performance at 7.30pm.

A spokesman for the production explained: “They will then take their seats and enjoy the exhilarating and ingenious re-telling of the story where two actors will play every single character.

“Rapid quick-changes, tap dancing, fabulous frocks and enough tea to sink a ship, audiences are in for a wildly waggish time. It’s Oscar Wilde’s classic as you’ve never seen it before!

Bryan Hodgson – the writer and creator of this adaptation will co-direct the show, straight from acclaimed (and award-nominated) back to back productions in London.

Alongside him is Jaq Bessell, who has worked across Europe, in London, at the RSC, The Globe and in New York.

Oscar Wilde’s farcical comedy in which the protagonists attempt to escape burdensome social obligations, was first performed at St James’s Theatre in London on February 14, 1895. One of the central character, Lady Bracknell, has become celebrated as one of modern literature’s, most preposterous creations. Her ignorant and often absurd comments are a satire of Victorian aristocracy, making her the most quotable of the play’s characters. Tickets for the performance cost £15-£20. For bookings visit www.splitsecondproductions.com