The National Theatre production of The Importance of Being Earnest announces cast for the upcoming West End run this autumn
The Importance of Being Earnest will play at the Noël Coward Theatre, from 18 September 2025 until 10 January 2026.
Joining Olly Alexander, who plays the role of Algernon Moncrieff, 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.
This ‘sparkling new production’ (★★★★★ Daily Mail) directed by Max Webster, is a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.
Being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so.
While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar facade.
Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.
Max Webster is an award-winning theatre director, specialising in spectacular new work, opera and live music events. Recent acclaimed productions include Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse/West End), Life of Pi (Sheffield Theatres/West End/Broadway), Henry V (Donmar Warehouse) and The Lorax (Old Vic). He was Associate Director at the Old Vic from 2015 until 2019 and at the Donmar Warehouse from 2020 until 2024.
‘This exuberant production’ (★★★★ The i) also features the work of set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Nicola T. Chang, movement director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, composer DJ Walde and casting director Alastair Coomer CDG. They are joined by associate director Aaliyah McKay, associate set designer Tim Blazdell, associate costume designer Johanna Coe, associate lighting designer Hector Murray and associate sound designer Chris Reid. Completing the creative team are, physical comedy advisor Joyce Henderson, intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon and dialect coach Hazel Holder.
Additional information about The Importance of Being Earnest
Booking until
Thursday 18 September 2025 – Saturday 10 January 2026
Show Times
Mondays – Saturday, 7pm
2pm matinee performances on Thursdays and Saturdays
Running Time
2 hours 45mins
Theatre
Noël Coward Theatre
Age Recommendation
TBC
Access Performances
Captioned Performances: Tuesday 18 November 2025 at 7pm & Saturday 3 January 2026 at 2pm
Audio Described Performances: Thursday 27 November 2025 at 7pm & Saturday 13 December 2025 at 2pm
BSL Performances: Saturday 22 November 2025 at 2pm & Thursday 11 December at 7pm
