THE importance of a good summer is invariably down to the quality of the open air theatre.

And that's exactly what Heartbreak Productions are offering this weekend at Essex Wildlife Trust's headquarters at Abbots Hall Farm in Great Wigborough.

Fresh from performing at Chepstow Castle, Killerton House and Wollaton Hall, Heartbreak will be bringing their latest production to the area, Oscar Wilde’s most popular play, The Importance of Being Earnest.

But as with many of Heartbreak previous shows, do not expect the traditional Victorian staging of this classic, as the versatile cast of five will be moving the action forward to the eve of the Great Depression, highlighting Wilde’s social satire even more by mixing the trivialities of good manners and breeding with the dire social consequences of the huge economic crash of the day - sound familiar?

Whilst this sounds incredibly intellectual, do not despair as Heartbreak have promised plenty of flapper costumes, cross-dressing and the opportunity for audience participation (the Charleston, anyone?) to lighten the tone.

Director Milla Jackson says: “As you might expect there are layers and layers of comedy in Wilde's work and it’s about as close as you can get to the perfect play.

"Like a cold glass of champagne it's high farce meets sharp wit with absolutely no line wasted.”

As with all open air theatre productions go prepared with blankets, rugs, picnics, drink, and of course a brolly (just in case). But there will be tea, coffee, soft drinks and cake are available as well as the farm's beautiful gardens, with views across farmland and marshes to Mersea Island, the Blackwater Estuary and the Dengie.

The Importance of Being Earnest takes place at Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough, this Saturday, July 16, from 7pm.

Tickets are £12.50, available from www.essexwt.org.uk or by calling 01621 862960.