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

Ncuti Gatwa, Sharon D Clarke and Hugh Skinner will take on lead roles a production of The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre, which marks Max Webster’s directorial debut at the venue.

Current Doctor Who, Gatwa, will play Algernon Moncrieff, with Skinner appearing as Jack Worthing in the Oscar Wilde comedy, which also stars Clarke as Lady Bracknell and Richard Cant as Reverend Canon Chasuble.

Running in the Lyttelton theatre from November 20, 2024 to January 25, 2025, the production marks Webster’s first at the London venue, with National Theatre director Rufus Norris saying his debut was a "joy" to welcome.

Norris, who called the play "hilariously subversive", said: "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 features set and costume design by Rae Smith, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Nicola T. Chang, composition by DJ Walde, movement direction by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille and casting by Alastair Coomer CDG.

It joins the previously announced Ballet Shoes in the National Theatre’s festive season. The show’s press performance is to take place on November 28, 2024.