English
English
2 hr 45 min with 1 interval
The Importance of Being Earnest
Opening on Sep 18, 2025
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until January 10, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 16+ yrs
from
£31.25
AboutVenueTicketsReviews
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
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- 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.
Noël Coward Theatre Read more
The Noël Coward Theatre is an Edwardian gem known for its intimate atmosphere and ornate design. Opened in 1903 and originally named the New Theatre, it seats around 872 guests and features a grand proscenium arch, plush interiors, and excellent sightlines. Over the years, it has hosted iconic productions including Avenue Q, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Inheritance.
The Noël Coward Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Tube: The nearest stations are Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines).
- Bus: Buses 24, 29, 176, and 6 serve the area around the theatre.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: restrooms, bar, cloakroom, gift shop
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, accessible restrooms, companion seating, hearing assistance, access performances, ramp, guide dogs allowed, access hosts
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’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
4.5
38 ratings
28
6
1
0
3
Frequently asked questions about The Importance of Being Earnest
How much do The Importance of Being Earnest tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets start from £31.25 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is The Importance of Being Earnest appropriate for?
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.
Where is The Importance of Being Earnest playing in London?
The show is playing at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.
How long does The Importance of Being Earnest run for?
The running time of the play is 2 hours 45 minutes with one 20-minute interval.
What is The Importance of Being Earnest about?
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.
Who are the main stars of The Importance of Being Earnest?
The main star of the show is Olly Alexander playing the role of Algernon Moncrieff.
Are there any special-access performances available?
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.