Noel Coward Theatre

85-88 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4AU GB

The Importance Of Being Earnest

The Importance Of Being Earnest Tickets

Oscar Wilde’s witty, satirical, and razor-sharp comedy hits the London stage again.

4.6 127 reviews from 127 verified reviews
  • Booking until: Saturday, 10 January 2026
  • Running time: 2hr 45min. Incl. 1 interval.
  • Starring: Olly Alexander, Stephen Fry
Tickets from £18.00
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The Importance Of Being Earnest in London

Starring:

Olly Alexander, Stephen Fry

The wildly successful and popular National Theatre production of The Importance of Being Earnest transfers to the Noel Coward Theatre this autumn. Don’t miss Max Webster’s dazzling adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s scathingly witty story of false identities and double lives, starring Olly Alexander.

Why You Should Watch The Importance of Being Earnest

  • The cast includes British musician, actor and LGBTQ+ activist Olly Alexander, best known as the lead singer of Years & Years and the star of It’s A Sin.
  • This was Oscar Wilde’s final play before he was arrested and jailed for his homosexuality, making it a must-see for fans of this legendary writer and queer icon. We think Wilde would be thrilled to know his brilliant social comedy is still amusing people, as popular as ever.
  • A classic comedy that offers sharp wit, clever dialogue, and hilarious situations that still resonate today. The hypocrisy of Victorian society is as outrageous as ever, as is the wonderfully twisty-turny plot.

What is The Importance of Being Earnest about?

Jack thinks it’s incredibly boring to be sensible. He’s been given the role of dutiful guardian, stuck in the countryside, but when he escapes to London he adopts a false identity and runs wild. His friend Algy is up to the same sort of mischief. Sadly it’s difficult leading a double life, especially when love enters the mix. Keen to impress a couple of pretty ladies, the men become trapped in a hilarious web of lies.

Wilde’s classic comedy has been revived countless times since its premiere in 1895. The recent National Theatre production was praised as ‘fiercely faithful to Wilde’s wickedly subversive spirit’ (Daily Mail) and ‘a joyous romp of endlessly quotable lines and fizzling farce’ (Sunday Express). Tony and Olivier Award-winning director Max Webster (Life of Pi, Macbeth) brings this sparkling new revival to life, starring It’s A Sin and Years & Years star Olly Alexander as the charming and mischievous Algernon Moncrieff, packed full of Wilde’s characteristic razor-sharp wit and keenly intelligent satire.

Oscar Wilde's satire on Victorian society's hypocrisy and the importance of maintaining appearances offers both entertainment and insightful commentary on human nature. Whether you’re a long-time fan of his work or new to his delightful and unique style of humour, you’re in for a treat with this witty, twisty-turny classic comedy.

Next Performances for The Importance Of Being Earnest at the Noel Coward Theatre

tomorrow 4th Nov 2025 7:00pm from £97.00
Wednesday 5th Nov 2025 7:00pm from £18.00
Thursday 6th Nov 2025 2:00pm from £18.00 7:00pm from £19.00
Friday 7th Nov 2025 7:00pm from £18.00
Saturday 8th Nov 2025 2:00pm from £18.00 7:00pm from £18.00
Monday 10th Nov 2025 7:00pm from £18.00

The Importance Of Being Earnest Official Theatre Tickets

Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Noel Coward Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for The Importance Of Being Earnest tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for The Importance Of Being Earnest has never been easier.

The Importance Of Being Earnest Ticket Information

  • Booking until:

    Saturday, 10 January 2026

  • Running time:

    2hr 45min. Incl. 1 interval.

  • Important Information

    Olly Alexander is not scheduled to play Saturday 20th September, and Friday 7th to Thursday 13 November.


    This production contains strong language, suggestive content, and smoke and haze.

  • Cancellations & Refunds

    Once booked, tickets to The Importance Of Being Earnest are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.

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The Importance Of Being Earnest reviews

4.6 out of 5 127 reviews

What to expect:

Acting
Music
Costumes
Story
Lighting
  • Recommended for:
  • Couples (90%)
  • Theatregoers (97%)
Latest customer reviews

All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing The Importance Of Being Earnest.

verified

Earnestly Rewarding

M Reviewed on 02 November 2025 by
Australia

verified

Joyous !

A joyous evening , filled with laughter, couldn’t fault any of the cast , it was a lovely treat, best play I have seen for ages . The casting was pure genius if you get a chance to go then do , you won’t be disappointed .

J Reviewed on 31 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Unsubtle

Over-acted and therefore not funny

J Reviewed on 29 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Old War Horse Doesn’t Hang Together

Makes no sense, when Algenon is set up as gay, that he fall in love with Cecily. Seemed way over-cooked except for Lady Bracknell, who I thought was well done without being over the top. “In a handbag” was well done.

P Reviewed on 28 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

A Must See

Brilliantly acted!

P Reviewed on 28 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Totla exuberance!

M Reviewed on 25 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

Fantastic

G Reviewed on 23 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Exciting production

J Reviewed on 22 October 2025 by
United States Of America

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A Fun and Jubilant Production

While the whole cast shined, Stephen Fry and Olly Alexander really lit up the stage in their roles. We laughed throughout the play. This is a must see production.

D Reviewed on 21 October 2025 by
United States Of America

verified

Funny, charming, a vacation from normality

Loved the show. Even if you don’t know the story it soon becomes clear. The pace starts slowly and then by act 2 we’re on full throttle. The supporting cast are fabulous as are the main of course. If you want to smile all night go see this show

M Reviewed on 21 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

Earnest - The Importance

A tremendously entertaining show, very modern and up-to-date, with a great sense of fun together with British tradition

D Reviewed on 18 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

Great stuff

Well acted by the whole cast, great story, great comedy, great costumes and beautiful theatre

V Reviewed on 18 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

A joy to watch!

An amazing interpretation of a classic play. The acting, staging and lighting were all first class.

M Reviewed on 16 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

Great show

V Reviewed on 15 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Funny, creative, up to date

I loved the show which was funny and amusing from the very first scene. The plot was faithful to the original and yet up-to-date. He presence of Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell added star quality. Happily, the cast matched his bravado and comic delivery exactly.

C Reviewed on 12 October 2025 by
Belgium

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Excellent, also for non-native audience

I had some reservations that the dialogue might be hard for non-native English speakers in the audience to keep up with. Nevertheless, it proved to be an exceptionally engaging and lucid performance.

E Reviewed on 11 October 2025 by
Norway

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Joyful and funny

J Reviewed on 09 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Fabulous fun!

A joyful celebration of diversity!

S Reviewed on 09 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

A very witty, funny and well acted play.

M Reviewed on 09 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Pure delight

O Reviewed on 07 October 2025 by
Israel

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OTT update of a classic

Introduces modern upbeat music, high camp and 21st century sexual innuendo, but it is Oscar Wilde's dialogue that gets the real laughs, well delivered by the actors. Non-speaking role of doddering servant gets the laughs too, well played, and maybe distracts from the main plot. Bright lively colours for the costumes and sets, lots of well-choreographed movement around the stage. Well worth seeing.

S Reviewed on 06 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

Brilliant acting, loved this adaptation.

Brilliant acting in this show - great voices clearly heard and fun side communication with audience. We laughed a lot! Loved this take on the play.

A Reviewed on 05 October 2025 by
New Zealand

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Brilliant just like Wilde was!

Wonderful play. Worth travelling from Canada to see this. And Stephen Fry is always brilliant, just like O Wilde was.

A Reviewed on 02 October 2025 by
Canada

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Hilarious

D Reviewed on 01 October 2025 by
Canada

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The Importance of Being Ernest

Excellent performance for all the family.

J Reviewed on 30 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Great funny show

Great show but still can’t figure out what the into and curtain call sections were all about, was e petting th3 TellyTubbies to come on! For the rest of the play it’s funny and entertaining.

D Reviewed on 29 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Brilliant night out.

M Reviewed on 29 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Not a personal taste

I hope that I am not a purist for Oscar Wilde but I think the play is fairly specific for the time that it was written and I didn't find the approach taken very appealing. For me the nuances of character got lost in the declamatory style of the actors.

C Reviewed on 29 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Fabulously camp

E Reviewed on 28 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Fab - u - lous

I loved the show. A great adaptation of the original. Funny, fast and furious. Younger theatre goers might find it useful to familiarise themselves with the story.

L Reviewed on 27 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Great fun brilliant actin

Loved this play told an old iconic story with a modern touch. Thoroughly entertained. Olly Alexander is amazing and Stephen Fry fitted the part so well.

S Reviewed on 25 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

I was not sure how i would find this romp of a take on 'The Importance of Being Earnest' but in the end I loved it. Its strongest actors are just wonderful. I had two quibbles - but not everyone would agree of course. (1) The girls are not grand enough - diction and timing poor: they are not going to make it as Aunt Augustas in later life. (2) And I thought Miss Prism was a disaster - not nearly old, staid and sniffy enough to be a good foil for everyone else.

G Reviewed on 25 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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BRIDGER ton meets Wilde

A creative quirky twist on a classic with great acting from the whole cast. Bridgerton vibes that combine gender fluidity with Wildes timeless commentary on marriage. The finale is a treat! We loved it.

G Reviewed on 24 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Absolutely brilliant

Absolutely superb performance by the whole cast, it was very entertaining.

L Reviewed on 23 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Don’t miss

B Reviewed on 21 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Utterly brilliant!

Stunning interpretation of this classic! Excellent cast, set and costumes ..... just the pick me up I needed! Thank you so much!

F Reviewed on 19 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Fun, brilliant, inspiring & intelligent

Loved it! Great acting, cast, comedy, sets, costumes. First time I fully understood this play! Loved the modern touches.

S Reviewed on 19 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Delightful rendition of a classic comedy

G Reviewed on 18 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Oscar Wilde would have approved of the this rendition!

O Reviewed on 18 September 2025 by
United Arab Emirates

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Camped up fun

G Reviewed on 18 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

Please note the reviews below are from an old production of The Importance Of Being Earnest.

verified

Awesome!

M Reviewed on 18 November 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Outstanding saturday afternoon

S Reviewed on 11 November 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Loved every minute!

M Reviewed on 11 November 2015 by
United States

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outstanding

M Reviewed on 09 November 2015 by
United Kingdom

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good quality show

Excellent acting

J Reviewed on 30 October 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Clever and Amusing

Great story, very clever and amusing, excellent acting by everyone. A really great night out. Jim Reeve

J Reviewed on 21 October 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Mediocre

Nothing to write home about

G Reviewed on 20 October 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Classic comedy

Entertaining and wonderful acting.

F Reviewed on 16 October 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Extremely hilarious

Excellent show, really enjoyed it, acting was extremely good, laughed out loud, so funny, would recommend it to anyone

K Reviewed on 05 October 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Fun!

C Reviewed on 03 October 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Couldn't attend due to illness, no cancellation policy, so wasted money

L Reviewed on 03 October 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Best at being Ernest

We very much enjoyed the show. It was a very good production of a play I have seen many times before. All the actors & actresses were excellent. It has good sets. For anyone who likes this sort of theatre I recommend that you go and see it.

C Reviewed on 01 October 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

Colorful, educational for youngsters!

The world is blessed to have David Suchet! And the whole cast are just sooooo fabulous! My husband in Norway gave me a plane ticket to go to London to see the show! as a birthday present! Even though we have given everything we own away, he said it is a must before leaving the planet earth! Best evening ever! (next to loving each other.....) Best regards Karen

K Reviewed on 27 September 2015 by
Norway

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Need to see

L Reviewed on 26 September 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Delightful

I am a great fan of this play and this was the first time I had seen it performed live. Loved David Suchet as Lady Bracknell and miss Prism was perfect. A lovely time at the vaudeville theatre

S Reviewed on 25 September 2015 by
Australia

verified

Great to see David as Lady Bracknell

We enjoyed the show but the actors were talking very fast. If I had not known the play I would have found it difficult to follow. Also Cecily's little girl voice was irritating. The scenery sets were fantastic

R Reviewed on 24 September 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

Amazing. Simply amazing.

A great show. A great cast. David Suchet was as god in a female role, as in every male roles he has played. No less admirations for the rest of the cast. Amazingly talented actors, passionately performing a classical text, bringing something new in Wild's play. If you want to feel good, to laugh from heart, to see something greatly and masterly made - I recomend that it is IMPORTANT to see The Importance of Being Earnest. Alexander Angelov

A Reviewed on 19 September 2015 by
Norway

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Applause Applause!

E Reviewed on 16 September 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Hilarious!

Z Reviewed on 15 September 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

brilliant

F Reviewed on 13 September 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

Constant laughter

F Reviewed on 06 September 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

Must See!

R Reviewed on 05 September 2015 by
United States

verified

An old favourite played to perfection

A Reviewed on 04 September 2015 by
United States

verified

wonderful!

We loved this show, an absolute ensemble piece, but the standouts were Cicely and Algernon, brilliant to watch even when they weren't the focus of the scene, i'd recommend it to anyone who wants a laugh

S Reviewed on 03 September 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

A hilarious must-see!

T Reviewed on 01 September 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

The Importance Of Being Suchet

Forget his wonderful TV performances, David Suchet's stage presence is gargantuan. Having seen him on stage before, I knew what to expect, but this was absolutely terrific. These period pieces are sometimes difficult to find the humour in, not so this adaptation, I didn't realise how funny this play is. The (in the main) young cast must revel in the chance to 'up their game' competing against an old 'pro' like Suchet. From the Robert Downey Jnr lookalike, Philip Cumbus to another veteran, Michelle Dotrice, the cast gelled very nicely together. A wonderful experience, especially as it was a birthday treat for my Wife and me. Many thanks to those who brought it into being and those who performed it.

P Reviewed on 24 August 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Fabulous!

E Reviewed on 23 August 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Excellent - the humour is timeless

M Reviewed on 20 August 2015 by
United Kingdom

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absolutely fantastic

E Reviewed on 09 August 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

Classic

David Suchet was excellent, supporting cast not so good

S Reviewed on 29 July 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Great acting!

The play is taken to another level of enjoyment when the actors are so superb. Suchet is of course brilliant, but the rest of the cast gave insightful and witty interpretations.

C Reviewed on 25 July 2015 by
United Kingdom

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funny, witty, uplifting, fantastic play!!!

D Reviewed on 24 July 2015 by
Singapore

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Great entertainment

The show was great fun to watch and the three set designs were quite impressive and really help to set the scene. The plot was very easy to follow and it was amusing watching the story unravel on stage

H Reviewed on 20 July 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Genius writing deserves top class acting- and this is what you get. An absolute joy.

This is a theatrical triumph from beginning to end. From perfect set, to fabulous costumes, and superb acting, transforming an 1895 classic into a modern gem. I had a smile on my face from beginning to end, as did my 13 year old son.Do not miss the opportunity to remind yourself of the true brilliance of a talented author. Inspiring.

C Reviewed on 16 July 2015 by
United Kingdom

verified

A+ acting and witty script

Two out of the four people in my party don't usually enjoy the theater, but all four of us enjoyed this show immensely. The witty script and comedic skills of the actors kept us all entertained up to the last minute. A fantastic choice for our London theater event.

K Reviewed on 09 July 2015 by
United States

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A must see

Super show & superb cast. Very funny. One of the best productions we have seen.

N Reviewed on 02 July 2015 by
United Kingdom

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Great show

This was a very good production headlined by David suchet who was excellent and along with a very good cast made for a thoroughly enjoying evening. I have never laughed so much as I did last night

A Reviewed on 26 June 2015 by

verified

all we had hoped it would be!

We came half way around the world to see this show! Not entirely, but on discovering it was on at the same time that we were in London, I was keen to make the booking from Australia. Booking went without a hitch, and the experience of seeing on the stage faces and voices we normally only know via the screen was delightful. The placement of Oscar Wilde's wonderful play within a further storyline about an amateur dramatic society was done cleverly and only enhanced the experience. One word of advice to patrons of the Harold Pinter Theatre - brign a cushion! Backside was very sore by half time!

A Reviewed on 03 October 2014 by

verified

Classic

This is a brilliant performance of an evergreen classic-first rate actors in a timeless piece.

A Reviewed on 21 September 2014 by

verified

Great production

A great twist in an excellent story.

A Reviewed on 01 September 2014 by

verified

Brilliant fun! Ignore the reviews and go anyway

Sme reviews were sniffy about the play within a play concept. It is true that the evening really takes off when Oscar Wild's play starts but the cast are great fun -particularly Martin Jarvis and Nigel Havers

A Reviewed on 28 August 2014 by

verified

classical brilliance

The brilliance of the original dialogue shines through the performance. The modern "framing" adds another level of amusement and fun

A Reviewed on 28 August 2014 by

verified

Good show

I was not expecting change in the text in comparison to the Oscar While's text but pass the surprise I appreciated it.

A Reviewed on 20 August 2014 by

verified

A well loved classic

A Reviewed on 16 August 2014 by

verified

Earnest Review

A new twist on a well known play

A Reviewed on 15 August 2014 by

verified

different construct

Wilde fans need to be aware that this is a play within a play, so those looking for classic Wilde will be disappointed

A Reviewed on 14 August 2014 by

verified

enjoyable to watch

A Reviewed on 06 August 2014 by

verified

Bravo!

Well acted with a great way of presenting a very well known play

A Reviewed on 31 July 2014 by

verified

good entertainment

great actors amusing story line

A Reviewed on 12 July 2014 by

verified

good entertainment

great actors amusing story line

A Reviewed on 12 July 2014 by

verified

Good

A Reviewed on 10 July 2014 by

verified

Best show I've seen in years

A Reviewed on 09 July 2014 by

verified

Vinnie and Chris' View

It was a novel adaptation of a classic. But it retained all of the original witty dialogue.

A Reviewed on 08 July 2014 by

verified

Doesn't work

DOn't know why they decided to tamper with the form of this show but it does not work. They have created a silly play within a play and added very un-Wildean slapstick. The play is not organic in the sense that say a Shakespeare is and so does not lend itself to what they have tried to do - very disappointing.

A Reviewed on 06 July 2014 by

06 Oct
2025
Stuart King

Review: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Nöel Coward Theatre

by Stuart King | Monday, October 6 2025, 08:06

Finding its new home at the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End after an initial run at the National Theatre late last year, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST has a fresh cast of players and opened shop this past week.

the importance of being earnest noel coward reviewOlly Alexander and the cast of West End transfer of The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo by Marc Brenner

Review: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Nöel Coward Theatre
08 Sep
2025
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The Best Theatre to see in London this Autumn

by Emmie Newitt | Monday, September 8 2025, 15:37

Autumn is on the horizon. With the night’s drawing in and the air becoming more crisp, there are so many unmissable shows in the West End to experience. Whether you are looking for a showstopping musical like The Phantom of the Opera which has captivated audiences for decades or want to experience a new production like Othello we’ve compiled a list of the very best theatre to see in London this Autumn.

best theatre to see in london this autumn 2025

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04 Sep
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Emmie Newitt

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST - Rehearsal Images Released

by Emmie Newitt | Thursday, September 4 2025, 09:18

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 importance of being earnest noel cowardThe cast of The Importance of Being Earnest in rehearsals. Photo by Marc Brenner.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST - Rehearsal Images Released
22 Aug
2025
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10 New London Theatre Shows in September 2025

by Emmie Newitt | Friday, August 22 2025, 12:13

The days are beginning to draw in and Autumn is on the horizon. With a new month on its way, there’s an exciting range of new shows heading into the city. From exciting revivals like The Lady from the Sea and highly-anticipated West End transfers like Punch- we’re sharing the 10 shows you need to watch out for in September.

new theatre shows london september 2025

10 New London Theatre Shows in September 2025
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Emmie Newitt

Full cast announced for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST West End transfer

by Emmie Newitt | Tuesday, August 19 2025, 17:03

National Theatre's critically acclaimed production which reimagines Oscar Wilde's most celebrated comedy, opens in the West End next month.

the importance of being earnest noel coward castThe cast of The Importance of Being Earnest in rehearsals. Photo by Justine Matthew.

Full cast announced for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST West End transfer
31 Jul
2025
Emmie Newitt

Stephen Fry joins West End transfer of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

by Emmie Newitt | Thursday, July 31 2025, 09:26

The critically acclaimed 'bold and brash Wilde reboot' (The Times) transfers to the West End for a limited season starting in September.

the importance of being earnest noel coward theatre castStephen Fry, Jessica Whitehurst, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Shobna Gulati. Headshots provided by production.

Stephen Fry joins West End transfer of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST