Production images have been released for the West End transfer of the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Earnest.
This “bold and brash Wilde reboot” (★★★★ The Times) is now playing at the Noël Coward Theatre in a co-production with Sonia Friedman Productions, running until 10 January 2026.
Directed by Max Webster, this “sparkling new production” (★★★★★ Daily Mail) is a flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.
Olly Alexander stars as Algernon Moncrieff, alongside Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis as Rev. Canon Chasuble, and Shobna Gulati as Miss Prism.
The cast also includes Kitty Hawthorne as Gwendolen Fairfax, Jessica Whitehurst as Cecily Cardew, Hayley Carmichael as Merriman/Lane, and Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell.
Completing the ensemble are Jasmine Kerr, Sam Liu, Gillian McCafferty, Elliot Pritchard, and Liv Spencer.
The Importance of Being Earnest follows Jack and Algy as they navigate double lives and romantic entanglements, all while trying to maintain their fabricated identities.
Max Webster, known for Life of Pi, Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse), and Henry V, brings his signature theatrical flair to this exuberant staging.
“This exuberant production” (★★★★ The i) features design by Rae Smith, lighting by Jon Clark, sound by Nicola T. Chang, and movement by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille.
The creative team also includes composer D.J. Walde, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG, and associate creatives Aaliyah McKay, Tim Blazdell, Johanna Coe, Hector Murray, and Chris Reid.
Joyce Henderson serves as physical comedy advisor, with Ingrid Mackinnon as intimacy coordinator and Kate Godfrey as voice and dialect coach.
Webster’s “Wilde party of irresistible anarchic charm” (★★★★ The Guardian) premiered at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre in November 2024 and was later broadcast globally via National Theatre Live.
Over 165,000 people in the UK have already experienced “this joyous production” (★★★★ The i), with tickets starting from £25.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
