Stephen Fry is among a host of new names joining the cast of The Importance of Being Earnest, which will be led by Olly Alexander when it opens at the Noël Coward Theatre in September.
Alexander will play Algernon Moncrieff, with Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, 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 Fry as Lady Bracknell.
A reimagination of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy, the West End transfer of the National Theatre production is directed by Max Webster.
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 includes set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Nicola T Chang, movement director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, composer DJ Walde and casting director Alastair Coomer. They are joined by associate director Aaliyah McKay, associate set designer Tim Blazdell, associate costume designer Johanna Coe, associate lighting designer Hector Murray and associate sound designer Chris Reid.
Completing the creative team are physical comedy advisor Joyce Henderson, intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon and dialect coach Hazel Holder.
The Importance of Being Earnest was first performed in the National’s Lyttelton Theatre from November 21, 2024 until January 25, 2025. A coproduction with Sonia Friedman Productions, it now runs at Noël Coward Theatre from September 18, 2025 until January 10, 2026. Tickets here.
Top image: The Importance of Being Earnest artwork (image supplied)