The National Theatre’s sell-out, critically acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Earnest is set to dazzle West End audiences this autumn.
Produced in collaboration with Sonia Friedman Productions, this bold reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most legendary comedy will take place at the Noël Coward Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, for a strictly limited season from 18 September 2025 to 10 January 2026. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 12pm on Monday, 16 June—with over 20,000 tickets priced under £30, making this production both an artistic delight and an accessible treat for theatre lovers.
Directed by the award-winning Max Webster, this “joyful and flamboyant reimagining” (Daily Mail, ?????) breathes fresh life into Wilde’s celebrated masterpiece with a vibrant, contemporary twist. Its initial run at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre last winter drew rave reviews, including four-star accolades from The Times, who praised it as a “bold and brash Wilde reboot,” and The Guardian, which called it a “Wilde party of irresistible anarchic charm.” With an enthusiastic reception from over 165,000 audience members globally, thanks to the National Theatre Live cinema broadcast, the stage is now set for its West End iteration.
Olly Alexander Stars as Algernon
Front and centre in this flamboyant adaptation is singer, songwriter, and actor Olly Alexander, best known for his spellbinding performances in It’s a Sin and his musical success as Years & Years. Taking on the role of Algernon Moncrieff, Alexander is no stranger to theatrical roles, having previously starred in productions like Peter and Alice and The Aliens.
Sharing his excitement, Olly Alexander stated, “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.”
Alexander’s portrayal of Algernon is set to be a highlight of the production, tailoring Wilde’s wit and irreverence to a new generation, all within the hot-pink exuberance of Webster’s staging.
A Fresh Take on an Enduring Classic
Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is a razor-sharp critique of Victorian norms disguised as a farcical comedy of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and elaborate lies. The story follows Jack Worthing and his friend Algernon Moncrieff, who both lead double lives in pursuit of love. But as their deceptions unravel, so do their meticulously constructed identities, resulting in chaos, hilarity, and eventually, resolution.
Webster, known for his imaginative storytelling in productions like Life of Pi and The Lorax, expressed his passion for this reimagining. “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.”
A Stellar Creative Team
This “sparkling new production” (Daily Mail, ?????) boasts an impressive creative team, including set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, and sound designer Nicola T. Chang. Movement expertise comes from Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, with musical compositions by DJ Walde. Meanwhile, Joyce Henderson advises on physical comedy, intimacy is coordinated by Ingrid Mackinnon, and vocal performances are supported by dialect coach Hazel Holder and voice coach Shereen Ibrahim. Casting is overseen by Alastair Coomer CDG. Together, they create a visually dazzling and theatrically rich experience that modernises Wilde’s wit without losing its timeless charm.
Accessible, Fabulous Theatre
For fans of The Importance of Being Earnest, Olly Alexander, or theatre itself, this moment is not to be missed. Max Webster’s creative brilliance coupled with Alexander’s star power ensures a production that pays homage to Wilde’s legacy while celebrating freedom, individuality, and the sheer joy of performance. With affordable ticket options and a limited run, this West End extravaganza promises to be one of the year’s most talked-about productions.
Secure your seats on 16 June and prepare for an unforgettable evening of wit, hilarity, and vibrant theatrical artistry at The Importance of Being Earnest.
Image © Danny Kasirye