The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest
***Hurry! Ends 7th November***
Oscar Wilde’s satirical master-work The Importance of Being Earnest comes to the West End starring the inimitable David Suchet (Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Long Day’s Journey into Night) as Lady Bracknell.
Set in England in the 1890's, two young gentlemen have taken to using the pseudonym ‘Earnest’ to escape their onerous social duties. ‘Earnest’ is Jack Worthing’s invented misbehaving brother and the name he uses when courting the lovely Gwendolyn in London. Jack’s cousin Algy, the only person aware of the fabrication, decides to take the same name when visiting Jack’s eye-catching young ward Cecily at the country manor. However, when both young men end up in the country at the same time, their lies begin to unravel…
This comedy of mistaken identity revels in the absurd situations it creates and mercilessly pokes fun at the pomposity of its characters and Victorian manners. A delicious farce and a showcase for the very best of Wilde’s razor-sharp wit, The Importance of Being Earnest is Wilde’s most-loved work.
This spring, London’s Vaudeville Theatre will play host to the latest production of one of the English language’s funniest plays.
- Duration
TBC
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds available after purchase.
- How Does It Work
If you choose collect at box office you will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference, please print this and bring it with you on the day of the show a minimum of 30 minutes before the performance start time.
If you choose post - tickets are sent 5 days after purchase.
- Where Do I Go
Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH.
By Tube - Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo) Embankment (District, Circle)
By Bus-1, 4 , 6, 9, 11, 13 , 15, 68, 76, 171, 176, 188.
Reviews
John and Ann Fields
Nov 5, 2015
A fantastic production and the best play we have seen this year. Excellent witty dialogue, superb acting and fast paced. All left the theater with a smile on their faces. Congratulations to all involved.
Elizabeth Osborne
Nov 4, 2015
Fantastic production of a well-loved play. The cast were tip-top and of course David Suchet as Lady Bracknell was marvellous. An absolute tour de force. My husband and I really enjoyed the evening.
Amanda
Nov 4, 2015
Fantastic performance of a play that is still brimming with social commentary.
Louise Thresh
Nov 3, 2015
What a lovely intimate, old theatre in which it is like taking a step back in time, probably built around same time as the play we saw was created. We had front row dress circle seats and watched the Saturday matinee performance. Imogen Doel as Cecily was superb as were the rest of the cast in equal measure. Having not read or seen The Importance of Being Earnest before, myself and my husband did not know what to expect. We need not have worried. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. I feel spoiled at having watched such a polished, entertaining play, so much so that I did not want it to end. Congratulations to all involved. I will be recommending the play to friends and family but it is a shame the play is coming the end of its run soon as they won't be able to take the opportunity to see it.
Jennifer Harper-Jones
Nov 3, 2015
Beautiful setting, costumes. Very well acted, but Gwendoline spoke so fast that it was difficult to understand all she said. David Suchet excellent, also Algernon and Miss Prism were outstanding. Cicely overdid the "little girl" act.
V Groves
Nov 3, 2015
This was a play I know so well and with David Suchet as Lady Bracknell, it gave the play for me a whole new aspect. His timing and expressions and interaction with the rest of the cast were superb. To me - each actor played a "cameo " part which brought the play together. It was fast, slick and wonderful to watch.
Kim
Nov 3, 2015
I found it disappointing as it was very hammed up. The beauty of Oscar Wilde is that the text is so powerful on it's own that it does not need to be turned into a saccharine Geeves and Worcester. I found it too over the top, and turned more into a slapstick comedy of errors and so unfortunately would not recommend the production. There was no restraint and with it the tension and humour that perfectly captures all the nuances. Having said that everyone has a different stance on theatre, that is it's beauty and despite my +1 feeling the same as me many in the crowd loved it. Suchet was good, as was Earnest. Gwendolen was occasionally so plummy that some may have trouble understanding her but I thought she was good and arch.Cecily's high pitched screaching was the biggest let down- it was more pastiche/pantomime and I think let the whole thing down.
S Sallon
Nov 2, 2015
A refreshingly new take on an old favourite. David Suchet is absolutely brilliant! and a good cast all round. See it while you can.
Vanessa DAvies
Nov 2, 2015
Very funny and well done, brilliant cast , although we thought David Suchet overacted horribly, and was far too camp. The rest amly made up for it, luckily.
Fahmida
Nov 2, 2015
The best west end production of Oscar wildes Classic - David Suchet and the cast are superb.. It's a show not to be missed!
Judith Hornsby
Nov 1, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Actors and actresses all delivered a wonderful evening of laughter and entertainment.
Alison heller
Nov 1, 2015
A lovely, entertaining night out.
Elaine Crewe-Turrell
Nov 1, 2015
Wonderful performance
JL
Nov 1, 2015
If you want to be entertained, you can't go wrong with this play. Classic comedy with some wonderful lines delivered with impeccable timing and style. All cast members are truly wonderful!
Martin Saunders
Oct 31, 2015
This is a superb production. Oscar Wilde's witty script is impeccably delivered by the cast, of which there is not one duff member. Don't miss it.
Diana Hackworth
Oct 30, 2015
This show rely captured Oscar Wilde's brilliant comedy that's it's the first time I could hear him in every line. Best comedy, best actors & David Suchet was the 'icing on the cake' Thank you so very much Diana Richards Hackworth
Christine Britton
Oct 30, 2015
a fantastic evening... With so many memorable lines...many references ....very modern in its views and comic expression. A great night out ...David Suchet fabulous. And his utterance ... Bayswater ..simply splendid! it would make a really lovely T V special for Xmas... Opening up the talent , performance and ideas to the widest audience.
Chris Mackenzie
Oct 30, 2015
I had been slightly put off by The Telegraph review but am pleased I ignored it. The whole evening was thoroughly entertaining and time whizzed by. It was great to see David Suchet in a different role showing off his acting talents. I think nothing beats these classic plays when done well.
David Eldon
Oct 30, 2015
Seen it before and would not usually have seen it again but wanted to see David Suchet's performance, and loved it. The play has its detractors who don't like the idea of a man playing Lady Bracknell; I'm sorry for them. He just does it so well - personal opinion - and thought Imogen Doel's performance was brilliant. It certainly held the second act together. It's not on much longer but if you can get tickets, go for it!
Charles & Ruth Coxon
Oct 29, 2015
We really enjoyed the performance: David Suchet & Emily Barber were particularly good.
Nicki Wakeford
Oct 29, 2015
Fun characterisation of the main parts and well delivered. Pretty sets. Very entertaining!
Irene Duncan
Oct 28, 2015
Absolutely fab performance, not least from lady Bracknell! Sadly thought the theatre rather shabby, compared to so many stunners round the capital.
Alison
Oct 27, 2015
An amazing evening - you really shouldn't miss it!
Jill birthday
Oct 26, 2015
Acting was excellent. The cast made this classic come alive.Set well used for all scenes.
Tammy & Andy
Oct 26, 2015
If you get the chance to see this show it's a 'must'. We went as my husband is a huge David Suchet fan... But the whole cast play their part brilliantly. I though two intervals would be a bit much, but it added to the evening. Would love to know how many muffins they go through a week!
Carol Postlethwaite
Oct 26, 2015
First act was a little slow. Very little about the two male protagonists to make you root for them. The girl Gwendoline's character was extremely unlovable. The younger girl on the other hand played a blinder, excellent performance along with Mr Suchet and the vicar.
Karen Deighton
Oct 26, 2015
Excellent. David Suchet was really convincing as Lady Bracknell. He handled the infamous, "handbag" line really well. I also liked the stage sets.
Fiona
Oct 25, 2015
I gather this production has received negative comments for it being too funny. But I found the modern twists, and the physical comedy lifted this classic to another level. I admit I was drawn to this production for the performance by David Suchet, and of course he was fabulous as Lady Bracknell. However, Algernon and Cecily stole the show!! A thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre.
Z Clayton
Oct 25, 2015
Absolutely brilliant! David suchet was marvellous
Nicki
Oct 24, 2015
Absolutely brilliant. Booked because I am a massive David Suchet fan but the entire cast are fantastic. A totally fantastic night out, highly recommended.
Natalie
Oct 24, 2015
So good and funny !
Frederique Zirgel
Oct 24, 2015
How to spend a delightful evening than to go and watch David Suchet in The Importance of being Earnest. All the wit of Oscar Wilde beautifully transmitted in a remarkable way through superb acting by the entire cast. A pure moment of happiness!!
Anna
Oct 23, 2015
Absolutely brilliant! Totally entertained.
Suchet fan
Oct 23, 2015
I was expecting to enjoy the play, but ... I was not fully prepared for the constant, spontaneous, uproarious laughter. I have not laughed so much for a long time. Although I was anticipating the dialogue, the delivery was fresh and hilarious. Go if you can!
Susanna G
Oct 23, 2015
Great cast. Very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Uxman
Oct 23, 2015
There are many excellent words are already said about this productions of "The Importance of Being Earnest" - mine would add very little. I just want to suggest to extend the showing period or re-launch the performance in the near future for those who could not manage to see it until the 7th of November, 2015. Thank you for this wonderful piece of art.
Catherine
Oct 23, 2015
Excellent.Could see it again.
Benjamin
Oct 22, 2015
This was a nice version of the play. David Suchet stole the show as Lady Bracknell, but the other performances were also good. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Paul BL
Oct 22, 2015
Great play, lots of laughs. Sachet is fantastic as are the rest of the cast. 2 intermissions and no stalls bar though...
Jacqueline Stannage
Oct 22, 2015
What an absolutely fantastic way to spend an afternoon at the theatre , each and everyone of the actors we so talented ......How do they remember all their lines ? .... Both my husband and myself could have watched all over again!
Dilyana Todorova
Oct 22, 2015
Very nice and entertaining.
jenny
Oct 21, 2015
Brilliant evening!!!
Shirley
Oct 20, 2015
I try to see all David Suchet's performances, but was very pleased to see such an all round excellent cast. All the lovers were vibrant and full of fun. I have seen this play so many times, and it is always a joy, but sometimes unevenly cast. This production received a rousing response from the audience, with much laughter and applause during the show.
Sheena
Oct 20, 2015
Great performances and direction brought a freshness to a well known play. Very funny.
Helen
Oct 19, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed the performance. David Suchet and all the cast were brilliant. Would highly recommend a visit to see this very witty performance.
James Lane
Oct 19, 2015
Very good.
Lindsay Blay
Oct 18, 2015
Great fun.....loved it !
Steve M
Oct 18, 2015
excellent entertainment!
susan haley
Oct 17, 2015
A amazing night. All the characters and actors brought Wilde to life. Every single one was superb. David Suchet's facial acting was brilliant. He played the part to perfection. Would encourage anyone to see it. The theatre is smalls and intimate just what is required. Sue Haley.
Beryl Nicholson
Oct 15, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyable experience. David Suchet gave a wonderfully convincing performance, his facial expressions were hilarious. The play was so well cast, everyone without exception was so convincing, timing was excellent, and it seemed as if the cast had as much fun as the audience. I would so recommend this play.