National Theatre’s sold-out THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST to transfer to West End
Photo credit: Danny Kasiyre
The National Theatre has announced that its sold-out, critically acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Earnest will transfer to the West End this autumn in a co-production with Sonia Friedman Productions.
This ‘bold and brash Wilde reboot’ (★★★★ The Times) will run for a limited season at the Noël Coward Theatre from 18 September 2025 - 10 January 2026.
This ‘sparkling new production’ (★★★★★ Daily Mail), directed by Max Webster, is a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.
Actor and singer-songwriter, Olly Alexander (It’s a Sin, Channel 4; White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, @sohoplace) will play the role of Algernon Moncrieff in Webster’s ‘wildly exuberant, hot pink staging of The Importance of Being Earnest (★★★★ FT), with further casting to be announced.
Singer, songwriter, actor, fashion icon and activist, Olly Alexander, said: “I’m over the moon to be returning to a West End stage to take on the fabulous role of Algernon Moncrieff in Oscar Wilde’s most fun and favoured play. I’ve always hugely admired Wilde - he’s a true icon, not only a hugely successful and influential 19th century writer but also a trailblazing queer artist who fearlessly pushed against the expectations of society. He was a pioneer of LGBTQ+ rights before such a thing existed and I’m so excited and proud to get the chance to inhabit his work.”
Director Max Webster said: "I am ecstatic that The Importance of Being Earnest is transferring to the West End starring the brilliant Olly Alexander this September for a winter run. The creative team and I really wanted to honour Oscar Wilde's life and work and celebrate his legendary wit, fabulousness and imaginative freedom with this production. We found that the play felt amazingly fresh and contemporary, and there was an incredible audience response night after night during its original run at the National Theatre. I can't wait to share this production again, with audiences in the West End, and am especially excited to work with Olly who I am certain will create a new and fabulous take on Wilde's iconic character Algenon Moncreiff.”
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 creative team also includes set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Nicola T. Chang, movement director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, composer DJ Walde, physical comedy advisor Joyce Henderson, intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG, dialect coach Hazel Holder, and voice coach Shereen Ibrahim.
