“Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about,” said Oscar Wilde and Micheál Mac Liammóir’s The Importance of Being Oscar agrees. Now revived at London’s intimate Jermyn Street Theatre, this one-man show, starring Alastair Whatley and directed by Michael Fentiman, is a masterclass in theatrical storytelling.
This revival from Original Theatre and Reading Rep is the first time Mac Liammóir’s play has been staged in London for over 25 years, and there’s no disputing it’s a triumphant return. Acting as both a celebration and an elegy for Wilde, weaving together excerpts from his greatest works—The Picture of Dorian Gray, An Ideal Husband, The Importance of Being Earnest, and The Ballad of Reading Gaol—with poignant reflections on his life, loves, and ultimate downfall.
Alastair Whatley commands the stage throughout, embodying Wilde with a magnetic charm that captures the playwright’s larger-than-life persona, and witty remarks, while also delving into the sadness that defined his later years.
The first act sparkles with Wilde’s trademark humour and flamboyance. Whatley effortlessly shifts between narrator and characters from Wilde’s plays, bringing each to life with distinct voices and mannerisms. A real highlight is when Whatley performs the infamous ‘handbag’ scene from The Importance of Being Earnest.
The tone shifts in the second act as the focus turns to Wilde’s trial, imprisonment, and subsequent exile. Here, Whatley delivers a deeply moving rendition of De Profundis, Wilde’s letter from prison, and The Ballad of Reading Gaol. His performance is raw and heartfelt, capturing the pain and resilience of a man betrayed by society yet unbroken in spirit. The contrast between the two acts mirrors Wilde’s own life—a glittering rise followed by a devastating fall.
Michael Fentiman’s direction ensures the production remains dynamic despite its one-man format. Madeleine Girling’s minimalist set design—a simple circular stage surrounded by a circle of light designed by Chris Davey—places all focus on Whatley’s performance. The transitions between Wilde’s opulent world and the starkness of his imprisonment are subtly reinforced through a slight change of costume and more subdued lighting.
This revival of The Importance of Being Oscar is both entertaining and poignant—a fitting tribute to one of literature’s most complex figures. It celebrates Wilde’s genius while confronting the injustices he endured, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for his work and his humanity. Alastair Whatley’s performance is nothing short of remarkable, making this production something beautifully rare, as rare as a green carnation perhaps?
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