Oscar Wilde Plays in London

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, poet and author, best known for his clever epigrams, comic plays, and Gothic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. A key figure in the aestheticism movement, Wilde was a flamboyant fixture in high society. In 1895 he was arrested for “practicing homosexual acts”, and ultimately died in prison. Despite the scandal, Wilde’s work remained popular, with two of his productions running in the West End at the time of his imprisonment. Wilde’s wit, charm and influence endure to this day, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest Victorian playwrights. 

Fancy watching Oscar Wilde plays in London? Peruse our list of what’s on now, alongside key past productions to set an alert, and we’ll notify you when your favourite returns! Do note that future revivals tend to feature different creative teams and casts, and are usually staged at different venues from the past productions listed below.

An Ideal Husband

This critically acclaimed comedy of manners premiered in 1895 at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Politician Sir Robert Chiltern appears to have it all: a loving wife, a magnificent abode, a top-notch career… but under the surface of his perfect life, secrets lurk. When the wife of an old school acquaintance, Lady Cheverley, reappears with a long-held grudge and threatens to spill, scandal looms, and Robert must decide how far he’s willing to go to keep his reputation unblemished. One of Wilde’s best-known plays, notable productions of An Ideal Husband include a 2018 staging led by father-son duo Edward and Freddie Fox, and a 1999 film adaptation starring Cate Blanchett and Rupert Everett.

Last On: Lyric Hammersmith, 2026. 

The Importance of Being Earnest

Friends Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff have taken a trip to the country, and both have adopted alter egos: Jack to rise above his station for love; Algie to escape social obligations. Comedic misunderstandings ensue when they each find themselves romantically entangled with a woman who adores the name “Ernest” – their pseudonym of choice. Featuring one of the greatest comic characters of all time, Lady Bracknell, Wilde’s final, best-known play premiered in 1895 and is full of his trademark wit and social satire. Notable casts have included David Suchet, Ncuti Gatwa and John Gielgud, as well as Judi Dench in the film.

Last On: 2026, Noel Coward Theatre, starring Stephen Fry and Olly Alexander. 

Lady Windermere’s Fan

Lady Windermere’s Fan premiered in 1892 at the St James’s Theatre. A comedy that skewered the social stratification of Victorian Society, it follows a newly married young couple, whose relationship is turned upside down by the arrival of the mysterious Mrs Erlynne. When rumours abound that Lord Windermere is conducting an affair with the newcomer, Lady Windermere retaliates with her own attempt at adultery, and soon discovers Mrs Erlynne may be an unlikely ally… The play has been adapted for film and television countless times, in many different languages. Notable casts have included Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, and Jennifer Saunders.

Last On: 2018, Vaudeville Theatre as part of the Oscar Wilde Season. 

Salome

A departure from Wilde’s usual comedies, Salome is a sensuous, one-act retelling of the biblical story. As Salome becomes infatuated with John the Baptist, a prisoner and prophet, her desire takes a dark turn when she demands the prisoner’s head in exchange for a seductive dance for the court. Originally written in French, it premiered in 1896 at the Comedie-Parisienne in Paris. Initially banned in England due to its scandalous content, the play did not receive an English-language premiere until 1931 at the Savoy Theatre. The drama has been adapted many times, most notably as Richard Strauss’s 1905 opera of the same name. 

Last On: 2025, Theatre Royal Haymarket. 

A Woman of No Importance

At a party at Lady Hunstanton’s country estate, wealthy aristocrat Lord Illingworth attempts to raise the rank of his illegitimate son Gerald Arbuthnot by offering him a job as a secretary. When Gerald’s mother, Mrs Arbuthnot, arrives, tensions rise as his parents war for Gerald’s affection, and Lord Illingworth offers to clear Mrs Arbuthnot’s reputation (which he tarnished many years before). Commissioned by actor-manager Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the late 1800s, this play is considered less popular than some of Wilde’s other comedies, though has been adapted several times for film and received many revivals. Notable casts include Rupert Graves and Samantha Bond. 

Last On: 2017, Vaudeville Theatre as part of the Oscar Wilde Season. 

What Are Most Famous Oscar Wilde Plays?

The Importance of Being Earnest is arguably Wilde’s most famous play, closely followed by An Ideal Husband and Lady Windermere’s Fan. Earnest features Lady Bracknell, one of Wilde’s most famous creations, known for her sharp-tongued, hilariously scathing bon mots – check out our list of top 10 Lady Bracknell quotes. 

How Often Are Oscar Wilde Plays Performed in London?

Oscar Wilde plays are frequently revived, with productions staged as recently as 2025 and 2026 at the National Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith and in the West End. Set an alert for your favourite play above to be notified when new revivals are announced. 

Where Can I Find Out More About Plays by Oscar Wilde? 

You can learn more about Oscar Wilde’s writing and life at the Britannica Biography site or at the British Library Site. 

What Else Can I See If I Like Oscar Wilde Plays?

If you’re a fan of Wilde’s witticisms and his dissection of the social mores of society, check out Noel Coward plays. A successor to Wilde’s high society comedies, popular Coward plays include Hay Fever, Blithe Spirit and Present Laughter.

For a contemporary of Wilde’s, whose subject matter is often a tad more serious, check out work by George Bernard Shaw, including Mrs Warren’s Profession, Pygmalion and Man and Super Man.