Olly Alexander to star in West End transfer of 'The Importance of Being Earnest'

Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa starred in the original production, directed by Max Webster, at the National Theatre at the end of 2024.

Olly Alexander will star in the West End transfer of the National Theatre's production of The Importance of Being Earnest, with performances at the Noël Coward Theatre from 18 September until 10 January, 2026. Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa starred in the original production at the end of 2024.

Actor and singer-songwriter Alexander is known for starring in Channel 4 series It’s a Sin and recently performed in the experimental White Rabbit, Red Rabbit at @sohoplace. He will play the role of Algernon Moncrieff in Max Webster’s production.

Alexander 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.”

Webster said: "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.”

Oscar Wilde's farcical comedy follows two gentlemen who lead double lives as a fictional man named Ernest to get out of social obligations. But their deception ends up getting them into more trouble when their city and country lives collide.

In a review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, our critic said: "From the moment that Ncuti Gatwa takes to the stage dressed in a Barbie-pink satin ballgown, you know this will be a very different take on Oscar Wilde’s peerless comedy – and a totally fabulous one."

Further casting is to be announced.

Check back for The Importance of Being Earnest tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Olly Alexander. (Photo by Danny Kasirye)