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Journey back to Victorian London with us in the first episode of The Importance of Being Earnest, based on the original comedy by Oscar Wilde.
Algernon Moncreiff lives the lazy and luxurious life of a young, unmarried man in London. His friend Ernest visits and declares he wants to marry Algernon's cousin. But Ernest is not exactly who he says he is.
NarratorAlgernon Moncrieff, a wealthy young man from the upper classes of society, is ing the time playing the piano in his luxurious flat in central London. He's waiting for his aunt and cousin to come to tea. Algernon is a well-dressed and pleasant-looking man. His servant, Lane, is busy preparing the table.
AlgernonDid you hear what I was playing, Lane?
LaneI thought it would be rude to listen, sir.
AlgernonOh, that's a pity. Now, have you made the cucumber sandwiches yet for Lady Bracknell? They said they would be here at five.
LaneYes, sir. Here they are.
AlgernonOh! Good… By the way, Lane, I noticed eight bottles of champagne were drunk on Thursday night while I was having dinner with Mr Worthing.
LaneThat's correct, sir.
AlgernonWhy do bachelors' servants always drink their champagne?
LaneIt's probably because a bachelor's wine is better than the wine you'd find in married families.
AlgernonGood heavens! Is marriage as bad as that?
LanePeople tell me that it is very pleasant, sir. I don't have much experience. I've only been married once.
(a bell rings)
AlgernonAha! That will be my dear aunt, Lady Bracknell… Tell her that I'm in the morning room.
NarratorBut it isn't Algernon's aunt. It's a young gentleman who follows Lane into the room. He's good-looking and has a serious expression on his face. Algernon is pleased, though surprised, to see him.
LaneMr Ernest Worthing.
AlgernonHow are you, my dear Ernest? What brings you to London?
JackOh, pleasure of course!
AlgernonWhere have you been since last Thursday?
JackIn the country.
AlgernonWhat on earth do you do there?
JackWhen you are in town you entertain yourself. When you are in the country you entertain other people. It is really quite boring.
AlgernonAnd who do you entertain?
JackOh, neighbours.
AlgernonGot nice neighbours where you live in Shropshire?
JackPerfectly horrid! Never speak to any of them.
AlgernonThey must find you very entertaining, then!
JackHello! Why all these cups? Why cucumber sandwiches? Who's coming to tea?
AlgernonOh! Just my aunt Lady Bracknell and… her daughter Gwendolen…
JackHow wonderful!
AlgernonYes, but Lady Bracknell won't approve of you being here.
JackWhy not?
AlgernonMy dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. It's almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you.
JackI'm in love with Gwendolen. I've come to London to ask her to marry me.
AlgernonYou told me you had come here for pleasure? I call that business.
JackYou are so unromantic!
AlgernonI really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It's very romantic to be in love. But there's nothing romantic about asking someone to marry you. They may accept you. Then the excitement is all over. If I ever get married, I'll certainly try to forget that I am.
JackI'm sure you will, dear Algy.
AlgernonI don't think you will ever marry Gwendolen.
JackWhy on earth do you say that?
AlgernonWell, in the first place, girls never marry the men they flirt with.
JackOh, that's nonsense!
AlgernonIt's true. It explains why there are so many bachelors. In the second place, I won't give you my permission.
JackYour permission?
AlgernonMy dear fellow, Gwendolen is my first cousin, and before I allow you to marry her, you will have to explain about… Cecily.
JackCecily? What do you mean? Who is Cecily? I don't know any one called Cecily.
(A bell rings)
LaneYou called, sir?
AlgernonBring me that cigarette case Mr Worthing left here last Thursday.
LaneYes, sir.
JackHave you had my cigarette case all this time? I wish you'd told me. I've been to the police. I nearly offered a large reward.
AlgernonWell, I wish you would. I'm quite hard up at the moment.
JackThere's no point offering a large reward now it's been found.
LaneThe cigarette case, sir.
AlgernonI think that's rather mean of you, Ernest. However, it's not important now because according to the inscription inside, the case isn't yours anyway.
JackOf course it's mine. You've seen me use it hundreds of times. Now, could I have my cigarette case back?
AlgernonYes, but this isn't your cigarette case. It's a present from someone called Cecily, and you said you didn't know anyone of that name.
JackWell, actually, Cecily is my aunt.
AlgernonYour aunt!
JackYes. Lovely old lady she is, too. Lives in Tunbridge Wells.
AlgernonBut why does she call herself "little Cecily" if she is your aunt? "From little Cecily with her fondest love."
JackWhat's wrong with that? Some aunts are tall, some are small.
AlgernonYes. But why does your aunt call you her uncle? "From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack." There is no problem, I it, to an aunt being small, but why should an aunt call her own nephew… uncle? Besides, your name isn't Jack. It's Ernest.
JackIt isn't Ernest. It's Jack.
AlgernonYou have always told me it was Ernest. I have introduced you to everyone as Ernest. You look as if your name was Ernest. You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life – so honest and serious.
NarratorAh yes, we should just say that the name Ernest was very common at the time, and the adjective 'earnest' – which sounds exactly the same - means, well, honest and serious.
AlgernonHere, it's written on your card: "Mr Ernest Worthing, B4, The Albany."
JackWell, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country, and the cigarette case was given to me in the country.
AlgernonYes, but that doesn't explain why your small Aunt Cecily calls you her dear uncle. Or why you have two names to start with. Come on, you'll have to explain.
bachelor man who isn't married
morning room a room used as a sitting room in the morning
what on earth…?a stronger way of saying 'what'
Shropshire a rural area in the west part of England beside Wales
perfectly (old-fashioned) completely
horrid awful
approveto think someone or something is good
fellow (old-fashioned) man
flirts behaves towards someone as if romantically or sexually interested in them
proposingasking someone to marry you
hard up (idiom) not having a lot of money
inscription words that are written or cut into something
fondest dearest, most loving
earnest honest, serious and determined
Algernon Moncreiff: Darren Benedict
Jack Worthing: Tim Gibson
Lane: Neil Edgeller
Narrator: Finn Aberdein
Original play written by: Oscar Wilde
Adaptation by: Sue Mushin
Illustrator: Magdolna Terray
ELT consultant: Catherine Chapman
Producer: Finn Aberdein
All is revealed in the final episode
Lady Bracknell makes a surprise appearance
It's time for the men to it they're not called Ernest
Cecily and Gwendolen both think they're engaged to someone called Ernest. When they meet it can't go well, can it?
Algernon and Cecily's relationship takes an interesting twist
Jack returns home to find his friend Algernon there. Algernon's pretending to be Jack's brother so he can win Cecily's heart
Algernon secretly goes to visit Cecily. He's pretending to be Jack's wicked younger brother, Ernest
Jack has proposed to his darling Gwendolen, and she has accepted. But her mother is not happy.
Algernon and Jack reveal they both lead double lives. But can Jack win the heart of the woman he really loves?
A young man visits his wealthy, young friend in Victorian London. But he's not exactly who he says he is…
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Ebenezer Scrooge is getting used to the company of ghosts, but here's one he doesn't expect.
Ebenezer Scrooge seems to be changing his ways. He has learnt a lesson from a ghost which took him to the past and now is ready to be visited by the Spirit of Christmas Present.
Selfish businessman Ebenezer Scrooge receives a visit from the first of three spirits. This is the Spirit of Christmas Past.
In this episode, you'll get to know Ebenezer Scrooge. Nobody seems to be able to get a kind word or even a smile out of him.
BBC Learning English's Christmas Pantomime – Dick Whittington and his Cat
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Alice finds herself at a trial. Did the Knave of Hearts steal the Queen's tarts? What does the Hatter know about it - and what's that funny feeling Alice is having?
Alice plays croquet with the Queen. But what are the rules - and how can Alice play croquet when the ball is a hedgehog?
Alice finds the Hatter and the March Hare having a very strange tea-party. They manage to make Alice angry - but how? And do riddles always have answers?
Someone inside the Duchess's house is angry - but who? The Duchess's baby is making some very strange sounds and the Cheshire-Cat smiles while the cook throws things. Will Alice meet anyone who isn't mad?
Alice is beginning to wonder who she is, when a caterpillar gives her some advice about a magical mushroom. But is it good advice – and who thinks Alice is a snake?
Alice is too big to fit inside the White Rabbit's house. The problem is, she's already inside it! How does she get out - and why is everyone throwing cakes?
Alice meets all sorts of creatures as she swims around in a pool of her own tears. She s in a Caucus-race: but how can you win a race with no rules? And who will give the prizes?
Alice can't stay the same size for more than a few minutes! When she's big, she cries a pool of tears. What will happen to her when she gets smaller again?
Alice is an ordinary girl, until the day a white rabbit runs past her, saying "I'm late!" Alice follows the White Rabbit as he runs down a rabbit hole, and a whole Wonderland of adventure begins…
The Creature reappears in the Arctic and boards the boat which has rescued Viktor Frankenstein
Viktor Frankenstein gets married and is happy again. But will it last long?
There’s another murder and Viktor Frankenstein is arrested
Viktor Frankenstein works alone to build a bride for the Creature
The Creature explains the killings and offers to leave everybody in peace, but on one condition...
The Creature is on the run and finally meets a good family. Will they accept it?
Viktor Frankenstein meets the Creature at last. Will they be friends or have a fight?
A murder takes Viktor Frankenstein back to his hometown
Viktor Frankenstein is ready to give life to a creature, but is this really a wise thing to do?
Viktor Frankenstein has always been ionate about science and he and others paid a high price because of that. He has a warning to all who, like him, tried to challenge Nature
The White Elephant restaurant has always struggled to stay in business and the future is not looking good. They desperately need customers - and when they finally get one, Gordon's skills in the kitchen must keep them there. Find out if he can do it in this final episode and learn some hope-related phrases
There's a bake-off competition taking place and Gordon seems to have made a special effort - and he only does that when there's something to win! Peter's also made a cake that looks exactly the same – what's going on? Watch this video to find out, and learn some competition-related phrases
Ceilia's latest idea from her management training is to get everyone to do a job swap. This will give everyone the chance to see what other people's jobs involve. This could be fun, but will Gordon be able to 'lower' himself to doing the work of a washer-upper?! Watch this to find out and learn some phrases related to empathy.
Gordon changes his appearance to try and look fashionable but his work colleagues have their own opinions on how he looks and they can't keep a secret. Watch and learn some fashion-related phrases.
What's this? Gordon has come up with a new recipe for ostrich lasagne. He just needs someone to taste-test it. When the team offer to give it a try they soon wish they hadn't! Watch and count how many phrases you hear related to feeling sick
There's a criminal in the area but could he be coming to eat at The White Elephant and who's going to be the bravest person to confront him? Watch and learn some phrases related to being brave
Peter the waiter is shaken up when he nearly gets hit by a van but Gordon has no sympathy as he brags about his new mobile business venture. Can the two things be connected? Learn some phrases about honesty.
It's been a late night for the team at The White Elephant but Gordon seems remarkably lively. That's until he hears about an award that only he could win! Watch and learn some sleep-related phrases.
It's a special 'sushi night' at the restaurant and Gordon is keen to make a good impression on the customers. But his best efforts don't quite go to plan and he runs out of an important ingredient. Is the evening going to be a disaster or can someone save the day? Watch and learn phrases used to talk about very unsuccessful events
The restaurant is about to get a visit from the health inspector. Everyone needs to make the place clean and tidy but Gordon has other ideas. And why does he need to clean up his act? Watch the video and listen out for the phrases used to do with being clean
The restaurant gets some customers from America who demand a meal that really puts Gordon's cooking skills to the test. Can he give them what they want or will he leave a bad impression? Find out by watching this episode and listening out for the phrases related to failure
Lucky Mary! Someone has left her a special gift and she thinks she knows who it's from but is she right or has someone else in the kitchen got a soft spot for her? Find out in this episode and listen out for the phrases related to love
A VIP [Very Important Person] has decided to come and eat at The White Elephant and try out the food. Gordon cooks him something really special - but is it what the customer had in mind? Find out in this episode and listen out for phrases related to excellence.
Something smells good in the kitchen – Gordon is preparing a special meal but unfortunately the red wine he's using isn't going into the cooking pot. Will the customers ever get to taste it – and will they want to? Watch this episode and listen out for the phrases related to timing
Don't panic! Twenty-five people are heading for The White Elephant. Will Gordon really be able to cook for this many people? And how will Peter get all the orders written on his small notepad? Everyone needs to keep calm if they want this to go well. Listen out for the phrases related to keeping calm
Peter, the waiter, isn't happy. Somebody called Edith has died and the team are doing their best to comfort Peter with some wise words. Can grumpy Gordon think of a nice thing to say? And who is Edith anyway? Find out in this episode and listen out for the phrases related to sadness
The White Elephant restaurant is struggling to stay in business. It's up to the staff to think of an idea that will bring in enough money to save the restaurant! But, as usual, their grumpy chef Gordon needs some persuading. What will change his mind? Find out in this episode - and listen out for phrases related to being clever
The White Elephant restaurant has had so few customers it might have to close down. Ceilia comes up with an idea to attract more diners, but there's one person who's not convinced... Will Gordon the chef change his mind? Find out in this episode and listen out for the phrases related to resilience that are used.
When Mary and Ceilia arrive early for work they get the shock of their lives when they discover Gordon sleeping in the kitchen. What's caused him to spend the night there? Find out in this episode and listen out for shock-related phrases
What is the secret of Gordon's success? Even when Mary gets an important qualification, he claims his experience is much more important. However, something happens which proves who has the most experience. Who will succeed?
Gordon, the chef, is usually an angry man but something in the kitchen has made him angrier than usual. Who can calm him down and get him cooking again before another customer disappears?
Ceilia, the boss, has some news she can't keep to herself but as soon as she tells someone the news spreads. However, as the secret gets ed on, the information becomes less reliable. Find out what the secret is in today's episode
Gordon is preparing something special for the customers but there's one ingredient that might not be to everybody's taste. Find out what happens and see why Mary's washing-up skills come in very useful
Oh no, there are three customers in the restaurant and no chef to cook any food. While Peter panics, Ceilia tries to find a solution and Mary helps get the kitchen ready. But when Gordon finally turns up, will there be any customers to cook any food for? Find out in this episode
Peter's just had a nice surprise - his first ever tip - but he doesn't hold on to it for long. Gordon the chef gets a surprise too, when everyone realises what's happened to Peter's money. Watch this episode to find out what makes Gordon grumpy this time - and listen out for phrases related to kindness
Welcome back to the kitchen of The White Elephant restaurant. Gordon is unusually happy. What's making him so cheerful - and how long will it last? Watch and learn some useful everyday phrases related to being happy
The kitchen of The White Elephant restaurant is a busy place and Gordon the chef doesn't like it. Watch and learn some useful everyday phrases related to being annoyed
Find out what's going on in the kitchen of The White Elephant restaurant. There's a problem with the cooker and Gordon the chef isn't happy. Watch and learn some useful everyday phrases related to things that are broken
Welcome back to The White Elephant. The staff at the restaurant are still waiting for their first customer, but when one eventually arrives they have to work quickly to make sure this one doesn't escape
Welcome to The White Elephant - the restaurant with no customers. How will they cope when someone finally comes for a meal?
Can Gulliver remain in the land of the horses he loves so much?
Gulliver finds himself on an island of talking horse-people
Gulliver visits the Great Academy of Lagado
Gulliver has left the giants of Brobdingnag behind and begun a new adventure. An attack by pirates leaves him alone on an empty island, until something huge appears in the sky…
Gulliver is in the land of the giants, Brobdingnag. He fears for his life and wants to return home to England. But first, he'll have to persuade the King to let him go
Gulliver is in the land of the giants, Brobdingnag. He is forced to perform every day in front of crowds of villagers, but his luck changes when a visitor from the royal palace arrives.
After his adventures in the land Lilliput, Gulliver takes to sea again. This time he arrives in a country where he's not the largest, but the smallest... What will happen in the land of Brobdingnag?
Gulliver is a hero after helping Lilliput defeat their enemy Blefuscu. But when fire breaks out at the palace, can Gulliver help?
Gulliver goes to war against Lilliput's enemies
Gulliver arrives in the land of Lilliput
Cecily and Gwendolen both think they're engaged to someone called Ernest
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