Stephen Fry and Olly Alexander Begin Rehearsals for West End Run of The Importance of Being Earnest
As the countdown begins to opening night, new rehearsal images have been released for the National Theatre’s forthcoming West End transfer of The Importance of Being Earnest. The production, directed by Max Webster, opens at the Noël Coward Theatre on 18 September 2025 and runs until 10 January 2026.
Captured by acclaimed photographer Marc Brenner, the behind-the-scenes images offer a glimpse of the cast in early rehearsals, including Stephen Fry, who takes on the role of Lady Bracknell. Also pictured are Olly Alexander as Algernon Moncrieff, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis as Rev. Canon Chasuble and Shobna Gulati as Miss Prism.
The full cast includes Kitty Hawthorne as Gwendolen Fairfax, Jessica Whitehurst as Cecily Cardew and Hayley Carmichael as both Merriman and Lane. Ensemble and understudy roles are filled by Jasmine Kerr, Sam Liu, Gillian McCafferty, Elliot Pritchard and Liv Spencer.
Webster’s reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s much-loved comedy was first staged at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton stage last year, where it received widespread critical praise and a sold-out run. Dubbed a “bold and brash Wilde reboot” by The Times, the production was later screened in cinemas across the UK as part of National Theatre Live.
This West End iteration retains the original creative team, including set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting by Jon Clark and sound design by Nicola T. Chang. Movement is led by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, with music composed by D.J. Walde. The casting is by Alastair Coomer CDG.
Blending Wilde’s sharp wit with flamboyant energy and visual flair, the production explores the comic chaos that ensues when two friends assume false identities in pursuit of romance. Stephen Fry’s casting as Lady Bracknell continues to generate strong interest ahead of the show’s limited 16-week run.
More than 20,000 tickets have been released at £30 or under, as part of the National Theatre’s continued commitment to accessibility. The production is a co-production with Sonia Friedman Productions, in association with No Guarantees, Winkler & Smalberg, and Playing Field.
Dates:Thursday 18 September 2025 – Saturday 10 January 2026
Address: Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AU
Website: www.EarnestOnStage.com
Box Office:delfontmackintosh.co.uk / 0344 482 5151
Access Bookings: 0344 482 5137 (Mon–Sat, 10am–7.30pm)
Performance Times:
Evenings: Monday – Saturday, 7pm
Matinees: Thursdays & Saturdays, 2pm
(Check website for preview and holiday schedules)
Assisted Performances:
- Captioned: 18 Nov (7pm), 3 Jan (2pm)
- Audio Described: 27 Nov (7pm), 13 Dec (2pm)
- BSL Interpreted: 22 Nov (2pm), 11 Dec (7pm)
Photos: All images by Marc Brenner.
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
