This ‘bold and brash Wilde reboot’ (★★★★ The Times) of The Importance of Being Earnest will run for a limited season at the Noël Coward Theatre, from 18 September 2025 to 10 January 2026.
This new production is directed by Max Webster and presents a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. Olly Alexander will play Algernon Moncrieff, while Nathan Stewart-Jarrett takes on the role of Jack Worthing. The cast also includes 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.
Being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so. While he assumes the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar façade. Living a double life has drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. In an attempt to impress two eligible ladies, the men find themselves caught in a web of lies they must navigate carefully.
Max Webster is an award-winning theatre director who specialises in creating spectacular new works, opera, and live music events. His recent productions include Macbeth at Donmar Warehouse/West End, Life of Pi at Sheffield Theatres/West End/Broadway), Henry V at Donmar Warehouse, and The Lorax at Old Vic. He served as Associate Director at the Old Vic from 2015 to 2019 and at the Donmar Warehouse from 2020 until 2024.
“A Wilde party of irresistible anarchic charm”
★★★★ The Guardian
Webster’s Importance of Being Earnest was first performed at the Lyttelton Theatre from November 21, 2024, to January 25, 2025. Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre, it was later released to cinemas worldwide through National Theatre Live. Over 165,000 people in the UK have enjoyed “this joyous production” (★★★★ The i).
Tickets are available from £25.
The Importance of Being Earnest runs at the Noël Coward Theatre, from 18 September 2025 to 10 January 2026.
