You could star in 'The Importance of Being... Earnest?'

Say It Again, Sorry?'s innovative format The Importance of Being... Earnest? creates an unexpected new experience every night as audience members are required and encouraged to step into the spotlight. It's a riotous twist on a much-loved classic; after the actor playing Ernest in Oscar Wilde's famed farce fails to arrive on cue, a real audience member is quickly cast in the lead role.

We asked writer Joshua King about the unpredictability of the show, insane audience suggestions and the whereabouts of Earnest...

OK first things first, where the hell is Earnest and why isn't he where he should be?

What are you talking about? He's right here in his dressing roo - Oh God. Not again!

To be honest, at this stage we're used to Ernest not turning up on time. Thankfully, no one seems to have noticed so far because we've always managed to find someone extremely talented (or at least extremely able to put on his costume and stand in the right place) in the audience. And these new cast members we've had to rely on never fail to make the show a unique, unforgettable and unpredictable experience for everyone involved, whether you're in the crowd or on the stage.

But don't worry, because we're confident that this year Ernest will show up right on time, the rest of the cast will continue to be professionals, and we'll be able to perform The Importance of Being Earnest exactly as Oscar Wilde would have wanted... more or less.

What's the most insane audience suggestion or reaction you've ever had?

There's always something unique and weird and wonderful about every show we do, but sometimes we do get someone who really goes out on a limb. We once had a man attempt to deliver his lines while crawling underneath Lady Bracknell's skirt. We've had random mass singalongs to Queen and audience members kiss mid-scene. Anything can happen when you bring the public into a classic piece of theatre. We've learnt by now to expect the unexpected.

What do you think Oscar Wilde would say about your version of the play?

We have been told by more than one audience member (and maybe even a reviewer or two) that he would be spinning in his grave. But we like to think that he would enjoy the silliness of it and celebrate the fact his words (more or less) are being performed and enjoyed by members of the public who might have never stepped onto a stage before in their lives. If we're being honest though, he would probably just whip out some incredibly droll one-liner, like, 'I used to think the biggest tragedy for art was to be ignored, but now I see it is to be adapted.'

How can you/the cast prepare for such an unpredictable show? Any pre-show rituals?

First, we all take a deep breath and remind ourselves that doing this show is a dream come true and the most fun we could possibly have. Then we run around trying to find the swords, the fake baby and the bottle of whiskey - you know, the essentials for any Oscar Wilde show. The cast do have a lot of pre-show games that they play to get into the right mindset and prepare themselves for some unpredictable chaos, too, and thankfully we are all such good friends that the energy is always really positive and fun pre-show, so we start every performance on a high!

Why should audiences come to your show over everything else? Incorrect answers only...

If there was one reason to come to our show, it's to see our lead actor's performance. Believe me, the person playing Ernest is a real hidden talent, a star in the making and a future household name. They're going to blow you away... once we find out who they are.