A new production of Oscar Wilde's joyful and flamboyant comedy is heading to London later this year.
Reimagined by director Max Webster (Life of Pi), who will make his National Theatre debut, The Importance of Being Earnest will run in the Lyttelton Theatre from 20 November to 25 January 2025.
Casting includes Richard Cant (Stan & Ollie, Mary Queen of Scots) as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Sharon D Clarke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Doctor Who)as Lady Bracknell, Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) as Algernon Moncrieff, Amanda Lawrence (Star Wars: Episode – IX The Rise of Skywalker, Angels in America) as Miss Prism and Hugh Skinner (W1A, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) as Jack Worthing. Further casting is to be announced.
The creative team also includes set and costume design by Rae Smith,lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Nicola T. Chang, composition by DJ Walde, movement direction by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille and casting by Alastair Coomer CDG.
What is The Importance of Being Earnest about?
The story follows two friends, Jack and Algernon, who adopt fictitious identities to escape their social obligations. Jack poses as "Ernest" to woo Gwendolen, while Algernon pretends to be Jack's imaginary brother to court Cecily. As their tangled web of lies unravels, misunderstandings and comedic chaos ensue until the characters ultimately discover the importance of truth and sincerity in love and society.
Book The Importance of Being Earnest tickets
The Importance of Being Earnest has a brilliant combination of clever wit and timeless humour that continues to entertain audiences across generations. This new production at the Lyttelton Theatre this winter will offer a delightful escape into a world of absurdity and charm.
