Shobna Gulati anchors 'The Importance of Being Earnest' as Stephen Fry and Olly Alexander lead the West End cast

Highlights:

• Stephen Fry is playing Lady Bracknell. Yes, that is correct.
• It completely sold out at the National Theatre.
• Olly Alexander and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett are the two young men lying about their names.
• It is directed by Max Webster, the man behind the Life of Pi play.
• You can see it at the Noël Coward Theatre until 10th January.

The highly anticipated production of The Importance of Being Earnest returns with Shobna Gulati joining Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and a bold Max Webster vision that previously sold out at the National Theatre.

Shobna Gulati takes a prominent turn as Miss Prism in the West End transfer of The Importance of Being Earnest, joining a cast that also features Olly Alexander and Stephen Fry. The production, directed by Max Webster, has moved from the National Theatre to the Noël Coward Theatre in London after selling out its initial run, and much of the chatter since the transfer has centred on the casting choices, not least Fry’s decision to play Lady Bracknell.

Stephen Fry delivers a commanding performance as Lady Bracknell in the West End transfer Marc Brenner

What is the deal with Stephen Fry playing Lady Bracknell?

Look, it is genius casting. The role is usually played by a formidable older woman, but Fry completely owns it. He has the height, the voice, and the sheer presence. You truly believe he could silence a room just by walking into it. That famous "A handbag?" line? With him, it is not a shriek. It is slower, deeper, and somehow much more devastating. It is the kind of performance people will definitely remember.

Stephen Fry takes on Lady Bracknell in the West End run of 'The Importance of Being Earnest'Marc Brenner

Who else is in this production?

He is not up there by himself. Olly Alexander from Years & Years is playing Algernon, bringing a truly playful charm to the part. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett is Jack, the character with the fake country brother. The supporting cast is rock solid. Hugh Dennis is the Reverend Chasuble, and Shobna Gulati is a wonderfully flustered Miss Prism. It is a proper ensemble; there are no weak links.

Jessica Whitehurst and Kitty Hawthorne in West End transfer of The Importance of Being EarnestMarc Brenner

How do I actually get tickets to see it?

Right, pay attention. The production is at the Noël Coward Theatre and the run ends on 10 January 2026. That is not very far away. Tickets start at £25 (around ₹2,990). Given its history of selling out, you would be smart not to wait around. Check the theatre's official website.