National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest (12A)

Stage on Screen
Tuesday 29th April 2025

Starts 7pm | Tickets £18.50, Conc. £17.50 | Screen one | One Interval

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy – The Importance of Being Earnest.

While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen subsequently find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.

Max Webster (Life of Pi) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and surprisingly romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London. The Importance of Being Earnest undeniably brings mistaken identities, romance, and laugh-out-loud moments to life.

★★★★★ “This joyfully reclaimed, triumphantly queer comedy is pure theatre magic” London Theatre

★★★★ “Ncuti Gatwa leads a Wilde party of irresistible anarchic charm” The Guardian

★★★★ “Ncuti Gatwa is on sublimely mischievous form leading the cast of this anarchically camp rewilding of Wilde” Time Out

“Webster’s adaptation is a dazzling triumph – equal parts chaos, humour, and heart. This vibrant reimagining of Wilde’s masterpiece is a must-see.” Rendition

★★★★ “I’ve seen radical reinventions of this play that didn’t work. This one does.” The Standard

See all theatre events here. 

BOOK A TABLE

Make a night of it and dine with us before or after the event. Book Table

You might like...

Cinema

The Phoenician Scheme

  • Thursday 19th June 13:00 (Matinee)

(15) 101MINS

The Phoenician Scheme is an espionage black comedy film produced, written and directed by Wes Anderson. It is from a story he conceived with Roman...

Book now
Cinema

The Ballad Of Wallis Island

  • Thursday 19th June 14:30 (Matinee)
  • Friday 20th June 16:30
  • Saturday 21st June 16:30
  • Thursday 26th June 13:00 (Matinee)
  • Friday 27th June 16:30
  • Thursday 3rd July 13:00 (Matinee)
  • Tuesday 8th July 13:00 (Matinee)
  • Wednesday 9th July 16:30

(12A) 100MINS

Eccentric lottery winner Charles dreams of getting his favourite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer, back together. The fantasy becomes real when the bandmates and former lovers agree...

Book now
Cinema

How to Train Your Dragon

(PG) 125MINS

Much-loved How To Train Your Dragon is back and as adventurous as ever! On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been...

Book now

Supported by