Further casting announced for National Theatre’s West End transfer of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
The National Theatre has announced further casting for the West End transfer of its critically acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Earnest, which plays at the Noël Coward Theatre from 18 September 2025 - 10 January 2026.
Joining the previously announced Olly Alexander as Algernon Moncrieff will be Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Angels in America, National Theatre) as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis (The Couple Next Door, Channel 4) as Rev. Canon Chasuble, Shobna Gulati (Through It All Together, Leeds Playhouse) as Miss Prism, Kitty Hawthorne (Kerry Jackson, National Theatre) as Gwendolen Fairfax, Jessica Whitehurst (Cyrano, Park Theatre) as Cecily Cardew, Hayley Carmichael (Rhinoceros, Almeida Theatre) as Merriman/Lane, and Stephen Fry (The Dropout, Hulu) as Lady Bracknell.
Directed by Max Webster, this production is a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.
Max Webster said: “Oscar Wilde was a master of elegance, rebellion, and razor-sharp wit. With this cast – led by the audacious brilliance of Olly Alexander, the hugely captivating Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and the legendary Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell – we’re embracing the play’s subversive heart in a way that feels utterly now. I’d like to think Wilde would be delighted – and perhaps even a little scandalised – by this bold, joyful take on his most iconic comedy.”
Being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so.
While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar facade.
Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.
The production features set and costume design by Rae Smith, lighting by Jon Clark, sound by Nicola T. Chang, movement direction by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, music by DJ Walde, casting by Alastair Coomer CDG, intimacy coordination by Ingrid Mackinnon, and dialect coaching by Hazel Holder.
To book tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest, please click here.
