Olly Alexander to join cast of The National Theatre’s production of 'The Importance of Being Earnest'
This ‘bold and brash Wilde reboot’ will run for a limited season at the Noël Coward Theatre from 18 September 2025 until 10 January 2026.
Olly Alexander is to join the cast of The National Theatre’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest, which will transfer to the West End this autumn.
This ‘bold and brash Wilde reboot’ will run for a limited season at the Noël Coward Theatre from 18 September 2025 until 10 January 2026.
This ‘sparkling new production’, directed by Max Webster, is a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.
Olly, who will play the role of Algernon Moncrieff in Webster’s ‘wildly exuberant, hot pink staging of the iconic play, said: “I’m over the moon to be returning to a West End stage to take on the fabulous role of Algernon Moncrieff in Oscar Wilde’s most fun and favoured play.
“I’ve always hugely admired Wilde - he’s a true icon, not only a hugely successful and influential 19th century writer but also a trailblazing queer artist who fearlessly pushed against the expectations of society. He was a pioneer of LGBTQ+ rights before such a thing existed and I’m so excited and proud to get the chance to inhabit his work.”
Max Webster, director, added: "I am ecstatic that The Importance of Being Earnest is transferring to the West End starring the brilliant Olly Alexander this September for a winter run. The creative team and I really wanted to honour Oscar Wilde's life and work and celebrate his legendary wit, fabulousness and imaginative freedom with this production.
“We found that the play felt amazingly fresh and contemporary, and there was an incredible audience response night after night during its original run at the National Theatre. I can't wait to share this production again, with audiences in the West End, and am especially excited to work with Olly who I am certain will create a new and fabulous take on Wilde's iconic character Algenon Moncreiff.”
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, 16 June at 12pm with over 20,000 tickets available for under £30 across the run.
