First Look: Rehearsal Pictures Revealed for The Importance of Being Earnest’s West End Transfer
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Rehearsal pictures have been released for the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of *The Importance of Being Earnest*, which transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre for a limited season from 18 September 2025 to 10 January 2026.
Directed by **Max Webster**, this joyful reinvention of **Oscar Wilde**’s classic comedy has been praised as a “bold and brash Wilde reboot” (★★★★ *The Times*) and a “sparkling new production” (★★★★★ *Daily Mail*).
**Olly Alexander** stars as Algernon Moncrieff, with **Nathan Stewart-Jarrett** as Jack Worthing. **Hugh Dennis** plays Rev. Canon Chasuble, **Shobna Gulati** is Miss Prism, **Kitty Hawthorne** is Gwendolen Fairfax, **Jessica Whitehurst** takes on Cecily Cardew, **Hayley Carmichael** is Merriman/Lane, and [**Stephen Fry**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/stephen-fry-to-star-as-lady-bracknell-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest-in-the-west-end) plays the formidable Lady Bracknell. The ensemble includes **Jasmine Kerr, Sam Liu, Gillian McCafferty, Elliot Pritchard,** and **Liv Spencer.**
**Wilde**’s comedy spins a delightful web of mistaken identities, secret lives, and romantic entanglements. Jack and Algernon navigate love, deception, and societal expectations in a story where even the cleverest plans can unravel spectacularly.
The production reunites **Webster** with an award-winning creative team including set and costume designer **Rae Smith**, lighting designer **Jon Clark**, sound designer **Nicola T. Chang,** movement director **Carrie-Anne Ingrouille**, and composer **D.J. Walde.**
Rehearsal pictures by **Marc Brenner. **
[*The Importance of Being Earnest*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-importance-of-being-earnest-london-tickets) plays at the [Noel Coward Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/noel-coward-theatre-london) from 18 September 2025 - 10 January 2026. Book your tickets today.