THE epitome of charm, Nigel Havers, is part of a star studded cast bringing one of Oscar Wilde's best loved works to the stage at Aylesbury next month.

The 62-year-old actor has spent the summer in theatre in The Importance of Being Earnest, which opened at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London in July.

He revisits the role of Algernon Moncrieff and as does Martin Jarvis as John Worthing, J.P.

But there is a twist to the show- to fit in with the characters' ages the idea is that veteran amateur actors, the Bunbury Company of Players, are putting on the play.

Nigel, who spoke to me before he was due on stage again, said: "We have had wonderful reactions- it has been fantastic. They love the show.

"It is one of the funniest comedies ever written in the English speaking language. We have done a little twist on it, which people really love."

Nigel and Martin played the same parts in Sir Peter Hall’s 1982 production of The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre.

He said: "I originally did the play with Martin Jarvis about 30 odd years ago. We always said to each other we would have another go on it and the years have gone by."

And he is thoroughly enjoying doing the play and being able to work with other friends too.

The cast includes Christine Kavanagh, Cherie Lunghi, Siân Phillips and Rosalind Ayres.

The Importance of Being Earnest elegantly lampoons the hypocrisies of Victorian society and opens as two bachelors, the dependable, John Worthing, J.P. and upper class playboy Algernon Moncrieff, feel compelled to create different identities in order to pursue two eligible ladies Cecily Cardew and Gwendolyn Fairfax.

The misadventures which result from their subterfuge; their brushes with the redoubtable Lady Bracknell and the uptight Miss Prism result in a plot that twists and fizzles with some of the finest dialogue.

Nigel said: "I think it is a favourite one in many ways. It is the most difficult one to get right.

"Everyone thinks they know the play but there is a lot more to it...

"The more the audience laugh, the more serious it gets.

"They all think that know what they are in for. They are surprised by the opening."

And he is full of praise for Oscar Wilde, who was a playwright, poet and critic, and a celebrity in late 19th century London.

He said: "He is a genius- there is no question about it."

Nigel has enjoyed a 30 year career after being educated at the Arts Educational School.

The roles he is most known for include Lord Andrew Lindsay in the British film, Chariots of Fire, and Dr Tom Latimer in Don't Wait Up.

Are there any other roles he would like to return to, I ask?

He said: "Not really. I would like to do a play called Art again one day."

Nigel also played the charming con-artist Lewis Archer in Coronation Street.

He said: "I loved doing Corrie- you never know- never say never again.

"There is always a chance Lewis Archer will appear again."

Having been a big fan of the soap, I asked if it felt weird to step onto the cobbles: "It did feel strange for about ten minutes. The cast are so wonderful. You feel as if you have been there for ten years.

"I made friends there."

This summer he has also become the proud grandfather to Nico, who is the first child of his daughter, Kate.

He said: "He is wonderful. I have had many conversations with him already."

The Importance of Being Earnest is at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from October 6 to 11 at 7.30pm with Thu and Sat matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £10 to £35 when booked in person at the Box Office or for full details when booking on-line or over the phone visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee) or call 0844 871 7607.