Duration
2 hrs 45 mins with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until January 10, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 16+ yrs
Why Watch The Importance of Being Earnest?
- Oscar Wilde’s iconic comedy returns to London in a vivid, contemporary staging by director Max Webster (Donmar’s Macbeth; Life of Pi), mixing high style with razor-sharp satire on love and identity.
- It features Olly Alexander (BAFTA-nominated for It’s A Sin) as the charmingly rebellious Algernon, marking his major West End return in a role full of wit and flair.
- Webster’s production leans into theatrical extravagance, with a vibrant set design, bold costuming, and playful performances that heighten the show’s themes of disguise and desire.
- Critics praised it as a “glittering masterpiece” (The Telegraph), celebrating its timeless humour and emotional bite in a staging that feels as fresh as ever.
- National Theatre’s sold-out hit is now transferring to Noël Coward Theatre, don’t miss the chance to see this joyful revival live—book your tickets to The Importance of Being Earnest in London!
The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people,” is a cornerstone of British theatre and a masterclass in farce. This London revival, presented by the National Theatre and Sonia Friedman Productions, comes to Noël Coward Theatre after a critically acclaimed sold-out run. Under Max Webster’s direction—known for Life of Pi and Macbeth at the Donmar—the production injects new life into Wilde’s 1895 satire of manners, deception, and double lives.
BAFTA-nominated Olly Alexander (It's A Sin) brings wit and vitality to Algernon Moncrieff, anchoring a cast that relishes Wilde’s wordplay while exploring the emotional truths beneath the comedy. With themes of mistaken identity, social status, and love gone sideways, the play resonates just as strongly today as it did over a century ago.
Storyline
In Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, two young men—Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff—lead double lives to escape social obligations and win over the women they love. Jack invents a rakish brother named Ernest, while Algernon takes on the name himself to pursue romance. What begins as light-hearted deception spirals into chaos as secrets unravel and identities are exposed. Set in Victorian England, the play skewers societal norms with biting humour and brilliant dialogue. Through mistaken identities and sharp repartee, Wilde crafts a world where love, class, and absurdity collide. Book tickets to The Importance of Being Earnest in London and come see who really is “Ernest” in the end.
Show timings
Show timings for The Importance of Being Earnest may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
- Leading roles: Olly Alexander as Algernon Moncrieff (not performing on performances from Friday, November 7 to Thursday, November 13)
- Director: Max Webster
- Set & Costume Designer: Rae Smith
- Lighting Designer: Jon Clark
- Sound Designer: Nicola T. Chang
- Movement Director: Carrie-Anne Ingrouille
- Composer: DJ Walde
Age Suitability
- The show is recommended for ages 16 years and above. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by a ticketholder aged 18 years or over and seated next to them.
- Children under the age of 3 years will not be permitted inside the venue.
- Content warning: This production contains strong language, suggestive content and smoke and haze.
- Captioned: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00pm & Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 2:00pm
- Signed: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2:00pm & Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:00pm
- Audio described: Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 7:00pm & Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00pm
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
- Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
Noël Coward Theatre
The Noel Coward Theatre, originally known as the New Theatre, is located on St. Martin's Lane in London. Opened in 1903 the theatre has hosted acclaimed Shakespeare stagings and stars like Judi Dench and Jude Law. With 872 seats across four levels—Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony—it offers an intimate, world-class West End setting. Originally designed by W. G. R. Sprague with an elegant Rococo interior, this iconic Grade II listed venue pairs rich heritage with exceptional sightlines, making every drama, revival, and blockbuster run truly unforgettable.
The Noel Coward Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: 85-88 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4AP, UK
- By metro:
The nearest tube stations is Leicester Square Circus (Northern and Piccadilly lines).
- By train:
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) — approx. 2–3 mins walk
- By bus:
24, 29, and 176 (stopping nearby on Charing Cross Road and St Martin's Lane)
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Toilets, Dining outlets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Elevator access
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your The Importance of Being Earnest voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets start from £31.25 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children of 16 years and above. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by a ticketholder aged 18 years or over and seated next to them. Children under the age of 3 years will not be permitted inside the venue. This production contains strong language, suggestive content and smoke and haze.
The show is playing at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.
The running time of the play is 2 hours 45 minutes with one 20-minute interval.
It’s a witty romantic comedy by Oscar Wilde that follows two men who invent alter egos—both named Ernest, to escape social obligations and pursue love. As their deceptions unravel, mistaken identities and social satire collide in a hilariously tangled plot.
The main star of the show is Olly Alexander playing the role of Algernon Moncrieff.
Yes—there are BSL-signed, captioned, and audio-described performances scheduled throughout the run. Audio-described performances will take place on November 27 at 7:00pm and December 13 at 2:00pm; BSL performances are scheduled for November 22 at 2:00pm and December 11 at 7:00pm; and captioned performances will be held on November 18 at 7:00pm and January 3 at 2:00pm.
