Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff (Rupert Frazer) and Jack Worthing (Paul McGann) discover that they have been “Bunberrying”, that is, assuming different identities in order to enjoy themselves in a guilt-free manner. Jack’s pretending to be his foolish younger brother, Ernest in order to be a model of moral rectitude to his young ward, Cecily Cardew (Natalie Ogle). Jack intends to propose to Gwendolen Fairfax (Amanda Redman). That is until he discovers that she loves him because his name is Ernest. He sets about being rechristened. And when Cecily intends to meet her bad cousin Ernest, and Algy seizes the opportunity, it will take the imperious Lady Bracknell (Dame Joan Plowright), Miss Prism’s (Gemma Jones’) recollections about her handbag, and an army list to clear the matter up, and allow true love to run its course.