The critically acclaimed production of Oscar Wilde's most celebrated comedy begins its run at the Noel Coward Theatre later this month, directed by Max Webster.
The cast of The Importance of Being Earnest in rehearsals. Photo by Marc Brenner.
The production was first performed in the Lyttelton Theatre, where it sold out its run and was subsequently released to cinemas worldwide through National Theatre Live. Now it heads to the West End for a limited season this Autumn.
The Importance of Being Earnest stars Olly Alexander, will play the role of Algernon Moncrieff with Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis as Rev. Canon Chasuble, Shobna Gulati as Miss Prism, Kitty Hawthorne as Gwendolen Fairfax, Jessica Whitehurst as Cecily Cardew, Hayley Carmichael as Merriman/Lane and Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell. Jasmine Kerr, Sam Liu, Gillian McCafferty, Elliot Pritchard and Liv Spencer complete the cast as ensemble and understudy members.
The play shines a light on Victorian society's obsession with social conventions, particularly the institution of marriage and the significance of names. The story revolves around two protagonists, Jack and Algernon, who create fictitious identities to escape their social responsibilities, leading to humorous misunderstandings and ultimately exposing the absurdity of their societal norms.
‘This exuberant production’ (★★★★ The i) also features the work of set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Nicola T. Chang, movement director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, composer D.J. Walde and casting director Alastair Coomer CDG. They are joined by associate director Aaliyah McKay, associate set designer Tim Blazdell, associate costume designer Johanna Coe, associate lighting designer Hector Murray and associate sound designer Chris Reid. Completing the creative team are physical comedy advisor Joyce Henderson, intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon and voice and dialect coach Kate Godfrey.
The Importance of Being Earnest plays at the Noel Coward Theatre from 18 September to 10 January 2026.
