Olly Alexander dazzles in West End revival of Wilde classic 'The Importance of Being Earnest'

Olly Alexander, the chart-topping singer and BAFTA-nominated actor, has made a triumphant debut in the West End in a flamboyant new staging of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Max Webster, the production opened this month at the Noël Coward Theatre following a sold-out run at the National Theatre and a successful NT Live cinema broadcast. 

Olly stars as Algernon Moncrieff, the witty and mischievous bachelor whose double life sets the farcical plot in motion. His performance has been widely praised for its charm, comic timing, and unapologetic flamboyance, bringing a fresh queer sensibility to Wilde’s already subversive text. Critics have called the revival “joyous”, “triumphantly queer”, and “a bold reclamation” of Wilde’s satirical masterpiece. 

Joining Olly is Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, with Stephen Fry taking on the iconic role of Lady Bracknell. Fry’s portrayal has been described as “divine” and “deliciously commanding”, adding gravitas and humour to the production’s high-camp aesthetic. 

Webster’s direction embraces Wilde’s wit while amplifying the play’s themes of identity and performance. The staging features opulent period costumes by Rae Smith, vibrant lighting by Jon Clark, and a soundscape by Nicola T. Chang, all contributing to a visually dazzling experience that never detracts from the text’s razor-sharp humour. 

The production runs until 10 January 2026, with over 20,000 tickets priced under £30.