Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa to star in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' in London

Oscar Wilde's famous play about false identities will be directed by Max Webster, who is making his National Theatre debut. Performances start on 20 November.

Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D Clarke are set to star in a new production of Oscar Wilde's comedy The Importance of Being Earnest at London's National Theatre. The production will open on 20 November.

Wilde's play will be directed Max Webster (Macbeth, Life of Pi), who is making his National Theatre debut.

The cast includes Richard Cant (Stan & Ollie, Mary Queen of Scots) as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Sharon D Clarke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Doctor Who) as Lady Bracknell, Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) as Algernon Moncrieff, Amanda Lawrence (Star Wars: Episode – IX The Rise of Skywalker, Angels in America) as Miss Prism, and Hugh Skinner (W1A, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) as Jack Worthing.

Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre, said: "It is a joy to be welcoming Max Webster in his National Theatre directorial debut with a new production of Oscar Wilde’s hilariously subversive comedy The Importance of Being Earnest.

"Max has assembled an extraordinary cast to reimagine one of our greatest comedies, with Ncuti Gatwa making his National Theatre debut. We are also delighted to welcome back Richard Cant, Amanda Lawrence, Hugh Skinner and Sharon D Clarke, who is returning to play one of Wilde’s most iconic roles – Lady Bracknell."

The Importance of Being Earnest is a farcical comedy that follows two young men in Victorian England, who live double lives in order to escape social obligations and win the hearts of women.

The creative team includes set and costume design by Rae Smith, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Nicola T. Chang, composition by DJ Walde, and movement direction by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille.

Further casting is to be announced.

Check back for The Importance of Being Earnest tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa. (Photos courtesy of production)