Noel Coward Theatre

A Wilde time with The Importance of Being Earnest play tickets!

Oscar Wilde’s sharpest comedy returns to the West End this autumn in a dazzling new revival of The Importance of Being Earnest, playing at the Noel Coward Theatre. Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre, this bold, cheeky and visually sumptuous production stars Olly Alexander, with Stephen Fry appearing as Lady Bracknell. It offers a fresh take on Wilde’s timeless satire – blending glorious period detail with playful irreverence. A comedy of manners with bite, it’s a theatrical event brimming with wit, style, and scandalous charm.

Set in a world where names matter more than truth, The Importance of Being Earnest play follows Jack and Algernon, two men who become caught out by their fictional identities. As they court Gwendolen and Cecily, they find themselves bamboozled by love, lies, and the inescapable scrutiny of Lady Bracknell. It’s a riotous tangle of engagements, mistaken names, and upper-crust absurdities that’s every bit as sharp and relevant today as when it premiered in 1895.

This production, originally staged at the National Theatre, was met with critical acclaim. The Guardian praised it as “a glittering, joyfully subversive revival”, Time Out called it “gloriously irreverent… a Wilde for a new generation” and the Evening Standard hailed it as “a riot of colour and camp.” With direction by Max Webster (Life of Pi) and sumptuous designs by Rae Smith, the show now transfers to the West End for a strictly limited season.

Taking centre stage as Algernon Moncrieff is Olly Alexander (It’s a Sin, Years & Years), whose charisma and comic timing promise to be a delight. He’s joined by beloved actor, comedian and writer Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell – a role he was tipped to play almost 15 years ago in a sadly cancelled revival! Fry returns to Wilde after his definitive turn as Oscar himself in the film Wilde (1997), in what’s sure to be a scene-stealing performance. The cast also includes 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, and Hayley Carmichael as Merriman/Lane.

Stylish, subversive, and packed with Wildean wit, The Importance of Being Earnest play is back to dazzle a new generation. Don’t miss this strictly limited run at the Noel Coward Theatre – book your tickets now.

Child friendly?

The Importance of Being Earnest play age rating is to be confirmed.