The National Theatre’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest will transfer to the West End when it takes up residency at the Noël Coward Theatre this autumn, with actor and singer Olly Alexander heading the cast.
The “joyful and flamboyant” reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy will star Alexander (It’s A Sin) as Algernon Moncrieff, with further casting to be announced.
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.
Directed by Max Webster (Macbeth), the production features set & 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, dialect coach Hazel Holder and voice coach Shereen Ibrahim.
It was first performed in the National’s Lyttelton Theatre from November 21, 2024, until January 25, 2025.
The Importance of Being Earnest will now run at the Noël Coward Theatre from September 18, 2025, until January 10, 2026. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, June 16 at 12pm here.
Top image: The Importance of Being Earnest artwork featuring Olly Alexander. Photo credit Danny Kasirye (image supplied)