THE summer smash hit at the Royal Exchange - The Importance of Being Earnest - will be extended for a week because of demand.

It has played to near capacity houses and will now close on Saturday, August 14.

Oscar Wilde's masterpiece stars Gabrielle Drake as Lady Bracknell and Joanna David as Miss Prism.

Since the production opened, it has played to near capacity houses and will now close on Saturday, August 14.

Royal Exchange Artistic Director Braham Murray, who directed the production, said: "This shows that regional theatres can attract and maintain audiences and are continuing to go from strength to strength producing high quality vibrant productions."