PICTURES of the stunning costumes and set design of the Mercury Theatre's, and Oscar Wilde classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, have been released.

Mercury Theatre set designer's Katie Lias has received particular praise for her incredible set and costumes in the 'dazzling production.'

Katie Lias was inspired by the 1950s for her costumes, with the hourglass silhouette of the decade being seen perhaps most strongly with Cecily Cardew's (Claire Lee Shenfield) 'new look' pink floral gown - which alongside Jack Worthing's  (Richard David Caine) suit were made from scratch. 

Gazette: Sumptuous - Claire Lee Shenfield (Cecily Cardew) and Mateo Oxley (Algernon Moncrieff)Sumptuous - Claire Lee Shenfield (Cecily Cardew) and Mateo Oxley (Algernon Moncrieff) (Image: Pamela Raith)

While director Ryan McBryde said he worked with designer Katie Lias to "dispel the myth that Earnest is a fusty, dusty Victorian period piece' with the bright and colourful "retro chic aesthetic" being chosen instead. 

The play lasts approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, including an interval, and is rated for ages 12 and above. 

Gazette: Dapper - Mateo Oxley (Algernon Moncrieff)Dapper - Mateo Oxley (Algernon Moncrieff) (Image: Pamela Raith)

There will an audio described performance on March 9 at 2.30pm and a captioned performance on Sun 10 Mar, 3pm.

The play has run until March 16 and tickets can be purchased at mercurytheatre.co.uk.