The Importance of Being Earnest Tickets

Importance of Being Earnest in London

An announcement, if you please, of vital importance! The Importance of Being Earnest returns to the West End, starring Olly Alexander and Stephen Fry, following a sell-out run at the National Theatre. Max Webster’s flamboyant, fun and vibrant new production of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedic play is “joyfully reclaimed, triumphantly queer” (London Theatre). The Importance of Being Earnest transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre on St Martin's Lane for a strictly limited run, so put on your glad rags and RSVP to the hottest party of the season - book your tickets today.

What is the play The Importance of Being Earnest about?

During a stay in the country, friends Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff create alter egos to escape their social obligations and pursue romantic interests. But, their tangled web of lies leads to a series of comedic misunderstandings, particularly when both men find themselves entangled with women who are enamoured with the name "Ernest". What ensues is a riotous, timeless tale of identity, love, and societal expectations.

First performed in 1895, Oscar Wilde’s masterful comedy has remained a staple of theatrical repertoires worldwide. Wilde’s sharp wit and satirical examination of Victorian society have cemented the play’s status as a classic, and this production brings a modern sensibility to Wilde’s sharp satire, highlighting the absurdities of rigid social conventions and the lengths individuals will go to for love and freedom. The Importance of Being Earnest is “effervescent, exuberant, and proudly loud” (Broadway World) - secure your tickets today.

Who are the cast of The Importance of Being Earnest?

Main cast:

• Algernon Moncrieff - Olly Alexander
• Jack Worthing - Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
• Reverend Canon Chasuble - Hugh Dennis
• Miss Prism - Shobna Gulati
• Gwendolen Fairfax - Kitty Hawthorne
• Cecily Cardew - Jessica Whitehurst
• Merriman / Lane - Hayley Carmichael
• Lady Bracknell - Stephen Fry

Olly Alexander leads the cast as Algernon Moncrieff, the role originally performed by Ncuti Gatwa during the production's acclaimed National Theatre run. Alexander is an English singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the lead vocalist of the electropop band Years & Years. He received critical acclaim for his powerful performance as Ritchie Tozer in the Channel 4 drama It’s a Sin; other credits include Peter and Alice at the Noël Coward Theatre, Skins Pure, God Help the Girl and The Riot Club. Beyond his artistic work, Alexander is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness, often using his platform to campaign for inclusivity and wellbeing, making him the perfect choice to star in the transfer of this campy, queer and uplifting “radical reinvention of a 19th century classic” (Evening Standard).

Stephen Fry stars as Lady Bracknell - a role that he was first tipped for back in 2013, before that planned production was cancelled. Fry is best-known as one half of hugely successful comedy duo Fry & Laurie, alongside Hugh Laurie; and for his role as the witty host of panel show QI. His other credits include Blackadder and Jeeves and Wooster. On stage, he has appeared in Twelfth Night, and received a Tony Award nomination when it transferred to Broadway. He is also no stranger to Oscar Wilde or comedy, having played the famous writer in 1997 film Wilde. Check out our blog about Stephen Fry on Stage for a deep dive into this National Treasure's past performances! ll this makes him the perfect fit for Earnest's infamously scathing character! If you want a refresher of her most iconic moments, check out our guide to the best Lady Bracknell quotes.

The creative team of The Importance of Being Earnest

Max Webster is a British theatre director, known for his visually inventive and emotionally resonant productions. He has directed work across the UK and internationally, with standout credits including Life of Pi (Wyndham’s Theatre), Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo (Donmar Warehouse and West End), and Henry V with Kit Harington (Donmar Warehouse). A former associate director at the Old Vic, Webster is celebrated for his dynamic storytelling and collaborative approach, often blending physical theatre, music, and striking design to reimagine classic and contemporary works alike.

The production is co-produced by Sonia Freedman Productions, with further creative team to be announced.

The Importance of Being Earnest Tickets at Noel Coward Theatre

Experience the wit and charm of Oscar Wilde in this exhilarating and “sublimely mischievous” (Time Out) production. Stephen Fry steps into one of Wilde's wittiest roles - the infamously scathing Lady Bracknell! For a refresher of her most iconic moments, check out our guide to the best Lady Bracknell quotes. With a star-studded cast, and an innovatively directed, fresh perspective on a beloved classic, this production is “pure theatre magic” (London Theatre) and not to be missed. “Wilde would be wild about this production” (Guardian) - so book your tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest at the Noël Coward Theatre, and prepare for an evening of laughter, romance, and delightful misadventures.