With the likes of Jimmy Savile, Rolf Harris and Gary Glitter currently being airbrushed from the record, it is interesting to recall how a similar process occurred with Oscar Wilde following his trial and imprisonment for gross indecency — and how short a time his cultural banishment lasted.

Wilde was at the apex of his popularity with critics and public as the run of The Importance began in 1895. But the playwright’s fall meant it closed after just 86 performances. Removing Wilde’s name from the billboards was tried by the actor-manager George Alexander, but this attempt at survival failed.

Wilde died in 1900 and within two years Alexander had the play back in the West End. Since then, there have been a vast number of revivals.

With the version still running at the Harold Pinter Theatre, there has already been an announcement of a production next year by the director Adrian Noble. This will star David Suchet (left), who will be swapping Hercule Poirot’s spats for Lady Bracknell’s crinoline. Should be fun!