The actor and singer-songwriter will take on the role of Algernon Moncrieff when the National Theatre production transfers to the West End.
The National Theatre’s sold-out production of The Importance of Being Earnest will run at the Noël Coward Theatre from 18th September until 10th January 2026.
Directed by Max Webster, whose recent productions include Macbeth (Donmar Warehouse/West End), Life of Pi (Sheffield Theatres/West End/Broadway), Henry V (Donmar Warehouse) and The Lorax (Old Vic), the production of The Importance of Being Earnest is described as a ‘wildly exuberant, hot pink staging’ of Oscar Wilde’s play.
Olly Alexander will take over the role of Algernon Moncrieff from Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa. Alexander is a singer, songwriter, actor and producer, with previous work including It’s a Sin, Channel 4. Between 2010–2023 he performed and recorded music under the name Years & Years, achieving two number one UK albums and ten UK Top 40 singles.
He commented: “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.”
Tickets go on sale on on Monday 16th June. Groups of ten or more can book group tickets for seats in the stalls and dress circle at a reduced rate for Monday to Thursday evenings and matinee performances.
The story
Being sensible can be excessively boring - at least Jack thinks so. While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar facade.
Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.
Originally published in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest has been performed on stage on numerous occasions, including at the National Theatre, UK tours and at the Perth Theatre, Scotland. It has also bee adapted for three films. Further casting will be announced.
For more information about The Importance of Being Earnest, visit earnestonstage.com.
To find out more about group bookings go to www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/groups.
