Noel Coward Theatre
85-88 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4AU
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The Importance Of Being Earnest Tickets
Oscar Wilde’s witty, satirical, and razor-sharp comedy hits the London stage again.
4.5 72 reviews from 72 verified reviews- Opens: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Booking until: Saturday, 10 January 2026 - Running time: 2hr 45min. Incl. 1 interval.
- Starring: Olly Alexander
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The Importance Of Being Earnest in London
Starring:
Olly Alexander
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
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
- Opens:
Thursday, 18 September 2025
- 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.
The Importance Of Being Earnest cheap tickets
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The Importance Of Being Earnest reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Couples (93%)
- 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.
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 Mark
United Kingdom
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Outstanding saturday afternoonS Reviewed on 11 November 2015 by Stephen
United Kingdom
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Loved every minute!M Reviewed on 11 November 2015 by Michael
United States
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outstandingM Reviewed on 09 November 2015 by Mairi
United Kingdom
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good quality showExcellent acting
J Reviewed on 30 October 2015 by Jacqueline
United Kingdom
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Clever and AmusingGreat story, very clever and amusing, excellent acting by everyone. A really great night out. Jim Reeve
J Reviewed on 21 October 2015 by James
United Kingdom
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MediocreNothing to write home about
G Reviewed on 20 October 2015 by Graham
United Kingdom
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Classic comedyEntertaining and wonderful acting.
F Reviewed on 16 October 2015 by Frederick
United Kingdom
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Extremely hilariousExcellent 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 Kathleen
United Kingdom
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Fun!C Reviewed on 03 October 2015 by Carolyn
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 Lee
United Kingdom
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Best at being ErnestWe 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 Colin
United Kingdom
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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 Karen Hume
Norway
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Need to seeL Reviewed on 26 September 2015 by Lucyna
United Kingdom
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DelightfulI 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 Stacey
Australia
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Great to see David as Lady BracknellWe 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 Ronald
United Kingdom
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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 Alexander
Norway
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Applause Applause!E Reviewed on 16 September 2015 by Ellena
United Kingdom
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Hilarious!Z Reviewed on 15 September 2015 by Zaskia
United Kingdom
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brilliantF Reviewed on 13 September 2015 by Flavia
United Kingdom
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Constant laughterF Reviewed on 06 September 2015 by Fiona
United Kingdom
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Must See!R Reviewed on 05 September 2015 by Rebecca
United States
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An old favourite played to perfectionA Reviewed on 04 September 2015 by Alex
United States
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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 Shelley
United Kingdom
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A hilarious must-see!T Reviewed on 01 September 2015 by Taru
United Kingdom
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The Importance Of Being SuchetForget 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 Paul
United Kingdom
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Fabulous!E Reviewed on 23 August 2015 by Emily
United Kingdom
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Excellent - the humour is timelessM Reviewed on 20 August 2015 by Michael
United Kingdom
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absolutely fantasticE Reviewed on 09 August 2015 by Eduardo
United Kingdom
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ClassicDavid Suchet was excellent, supporting cast not so good
S Reviewed on 29 July 2015 by Susan
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 Claire
United Kingdom
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funny, witty, uplifting, fantastic play!!!D Reviewed on 24 July 2015 by Dominique
Singapore
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Great entertainmentThe 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 Henry
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 Claire
United Kingdom
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A+ acting and witty scriptTwo 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 Kathleen
United States
verified
A must seeSuper show & superb cast. Very funny. One of the best productions we have seen.
N Reviewed on 02 July 2015 by Narwinder
United Kingdom
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Great showThis 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 Anonymous
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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 Anonymous
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ClassicThis is a brilliant performance of an evergreen classic-first rate actors in a timeless piece.
A Reviewed on 21 September 2014 by Anonymous
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Great productionA great twist in an excellent story.
A Reviewed on 01 September 2014 by Anonymous
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Brilliant fun! Ignore the reviews and go anywaySme 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 Anonymous
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classical brillianceThe 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 Anonymous
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Good showI 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 Anonymous
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A well loved classic A Reviewed on 16 August 2014 by Anonymous
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Earnest ReviewA new twist on a well known play
A Reviewed on 15 August 2014 by Anonymous
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different constructWilde 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 Anonymous
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enjoyable to watch
A Reviewed on 06 August 2014 by Anonymous
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Bravo!Well acted with a great way of presenting a very well known play
A Reviewed on 31 July 2014 by Anonymous
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good entertainmentgreat actors amusing story line
A Reviewed on 12 July 2014 by Anonymous
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good entertainmentgreat actors amusing story line
A Reviewed on 12 July 2014 by Anonymous
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Good A Reviewed on 10 July 2014 by Anonymous
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Best show I've seen in years A Reviewed on 09 July 2014 by Anonymous
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Vinnie and Chris' ViewIt was a novel adaptation of a classic. But it retained all of the original witty dialogue.
A Reviewed on 08 July 2014 by Anonymous
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Doesn't workDOn'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 Anonymous
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Full cast announced for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Lyttelton Theatre
by Emmie Newitt | Monday, October 7 2024, 15:57
Reimagined by director Max Webster, Oscar Wilde's joyful and flamboyant comedy will head to the National Theatre for a limited run beginning next month.
2024
Cast announced for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at the National Theatre
by Emmie Newitt | Wednesday, June 26 2024, 15:43
Max Webster's reimagining of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy will run at the National Theatre as part of their festive season later this year.
The cast of The Importance of Being Earnest cast.
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Another month to round up as April comes to a close! Read all of the best in news, reviews and what to see in May from London Box Office.
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Ncuti Gatwa to make National Theatre debut in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
by Emmie Newitt | Monday, April 29 2024, 08:09
A new production of Oscar Wilde's joyful and flamboyant comedy is heading to London later this year.
Your e-tickets for The Importance Of Being Earnest at the Noel Coward Theatre will be emailed to you just after your reservation.
