The Importance Of Being Earnest Theatre Breaks
Olly Alexander leads an all-star cast in the National Theatre’s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest as it transfer to the Noel Coward Theatre this autumn. It would be a sin to miss the chance to book your London Theatre Break!
Max Webster’s (Life of Pi) dazzling adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s scathingly witty story of false identities and double lives, stars Olly Alexander, who is best known as the lead singer of Years & Years and the star of Russell T Davies’s Channel 4 series It’s A Sin. Joining him on stage is Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis as Rev. Canon Chasuble, Shobna Gulati as Miss Prism, Kitty Hawthorne as Gwendolen Fairfax, Jessica Whitehurst as Cecily Cardew, Hayley Carmichael as Merriman/Lane, and Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell.
Wilde’s classic comedy has been revived countless times since its premiere in 1895. This version – ‘fiercely faithful to Wilde’s wickedly subversive spirit’ (Daily Mail) and ‘a joyous romp of endlessly quotable lines and fizzling farce’ (Sunday Express) – was sold out at the National Theatre.
Olly Alexander has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ and mental health awareness throughout his life. As the frontman of the synth-pop band Years & Years he released two UK No. 1 albums and hit singles “King” and “Shine”. He won BAFTA nominations for his leading role in the 2021 drama series It’s a Sin. and the stage.
In 2013 Alexander starred as Peter Pan in the West End play Peter and Alice with Ben Whishaw and Judi Dench.
What is The Importance of Being Earnest about?
Two friends, Jack and Algernon, assume alter egos to escape their troublesome “normal” lives. Jack invents a wicked brother named Ernest, whose name he uses in the city while courting Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen. Algernon, in turn, pretends to be Ernest to meet Jack’s ward, Cecily, in the country. But quickly, the deceptions unravel when both women fall for “Ernest,” leading to humorous confrontations and misunderstandings. Ultimately, Jack discovers he is actually the nephew of Lady Bracknell, whose name is Ernest (Jack’s, not Lady Bracknell’s!), allowing both pairs of lovers to marry, highlighting the play’s central pun on the name and the virtue of sincerity!
Oscar Wilde’s satire on Victorian society’s hypocrisy and the importance of maintaining appearances allows his unique style of humour to come to the fore and his audiences to enjoy his insightful commentary on human nature. Whether you’re a long-time fan of his work or you are being attracted to this production by the outstanding cast, you’re in for a treat with An Important Theatre Break!
Importance Show Details and Information
- Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes including one interval.
- Booking from: 19 September 2025
- Booking until: 10 Jan uary2026
Theatre: Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin`s Lane, London, WC2N 4AU
Importance of Being Earnest Performance Times
- Evenings: Monday to Saturday 19:00
- Matinees: Saturday at 14:00
Central London Hotels for The Importance of Being Earnest
A great choice of hotel nearby and many more just a few stops on the tube from Leicester Square
- The 5 star Londoner with its pool in Leicester Square
- The Four star Thistle Trafalgar Square
- The four star Strand Palace Hotel actually on the Strand itself.
- The Thistle Bloomsbury Park within a 10 minute stroll into fashionable Bloomsbury
- The President hotel, another handy three star hotel where the price is right!
