National Theatre Live 2025

The Importance of being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

directed by Max Webster

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.
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 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 romance,
filmed live from the National Theatre in London.