(AGENPARL) – Thu 04 September 2025 THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2025
FIRST LOOK: REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR THE
WEST END TRANSFER OF
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
FEATURING
OLLY ALEXANDER, NATHAN STEWART-JARRETT,
HUGH DENNIS, SHOBNA GULATI,
KITTY HAWTHORNE, JESSICA WHITEHURST,
HAYLEY CARMICHAEL, JASMINE KERR, SAM LIU,
GILLIAN MCCAFFERTY, ELLIOT PRITCHARD, LIV
SPENCER
STEPHEN FRY
AT THE NOËL COWARD THEATRE FROM 18 SEPTEMBER
IN A CO-PRODUCTION WITH SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS
Images by Marc Brenner here
Rehearsal images have been released for the West End transfer of the National Theatre’s
critically acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Earnest. This ‘bold and brash
Wilde reboot’ (★★★★ The Times) will run for a limited season at the Noël Coward Theatre,
a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, in a co-production with Sonia Friedman Productions, from 18
September 2025 until 10 January 2026.
This ‘sparkling new production’ (★★★★★ Daily Mail) directed by Max Webster, is a joyful
and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. Olly Alexander, will
play the role of Algernon Moncrieff with 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. Jasmine Kerr, Sam Liu, Gillian
McCafferty, Elliot Pritchard and Liv Spencer complete the cast as ensemble and
understudy members.
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 D.J. 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 voice and dialect coach Kate Godfrey.
Webster’s ‘Wilde party of irresistible anarchic charm’ (★★★★ The Guardian) was first
performed in the Lyttelton Theatre from 21 November 2024 until 25 January 2025. Following
a sold-out run at the National Theatre, it was subsequently released to cinemas worldwide
through National Theatre Live. Over 165,000 people in the UK have watched ‘this joyous
production’ (★★★★ The i). Tickets are available from £25.
A National Theatre production co-produced with Sonia Friedman Productions, No
Guarantees, Winkler & Smalberg and Playing Field.
For further information, please contact Clare McCormack, Head of Press and
FURTHER PRESS MATERIALS
Rehearsal Images are available here
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Dates: Thursday 18 September 2025 – Saturday 10 January 2026
Press Night: Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 7pm
Website: http://www.EarnestOnStage.com
Address: Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AU
Performance Schedule: Monday – Saturday, 7pm evening performance with 2pm matinee
performances on Thursdays and Saturdays
*schedule may differ during previews and holidays, please see website for details
Assisted 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
Tickets: from £25
Box Office:
(lines open Monday to Saturday 10am – 7.30pm)
Running Time: 2hours 45mins