Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy follows two friends—Jack and Algernon—who create elaborate false identities to escape their social obligations and pursue romantic interests. Jack, who lives a double life as “Ernest” in the city, seeks to win the heart of Gwendolen, while Algernon, intrigued by Jack’s country life, adopts the name “Ernest” himself to court Cecily. As mistaken identities and hidden truths unravel, both men must confront the consequences of their duplicity in a society obsessed with appearances and propriety.

Olly Alexander (It’s A Sin) stars as Algernon Moncrieff in this new production directed by Max Webster (Donmar’s Macbeth, Life of Pi). The reimagined staging brings a contemporary sensibility to Wilde’s 1895 text while retaining its original wit and structure.