The National Theatre’s “Importance of Seriousness” production, which sold out this fall, will head to the West Side, with Olly Alexander taking on the role of Algernon Moncrieff in the acclaimed revival.

Oscar Wilde's 1895 drama is Jack Worthing, who can relax in town under false identities when he plays the role of loyal guardians in the country. Meanwhile, his friend Algernon Moncrieff sat on a similar facade. Unfortunately, the drawbacks of living a double life, especially in love. To impress the two qualified ladies, the gentlemen find themselves trapped in a lie that must be carefully navigated.

The work will be held in a limited-edition season at the Noël Coward Theater from September 18 to January 10, 2026. The transfer represents a co-production between the National Theatre and Sonia Friedman Productions.

Alexander, known for his work as the host of Years and Grades, played a role in Channel 4's "It's Sin." The actor plays the role of "Doctor Who" star Ncuti Gatwa in 2024 at the National Theatre. "I crossed the moon to return to the West End stage to play the outstanding role of Algernon Moncrieff in Oscar Wilde's funniest and favorite game," Alexander said. "I have always admired Wilde very much - he is a true idol, not only a very successful and influential 19th-century writer, but also a pioneering queer artist who fearlessly goes against society's expectations."

The work marks a major dramatic return from Alexander, whose previous phase of honors included "Peter and Alice" in the West Side and "Alien" in the Bush Theater. With the year and year, he received two British first albums and 10 British 40 singles, and was nominated for 6 British awards. Recently, he represented the UK in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with "Dizzy".

Director Max Webster's recent honors include "Macbeth" by Donmar Warehouse and West End, and "Pi of Pi" on Broadway, who said he was "ecstatic" about the transfer. "The creative team and I really wanted to honor Oscar Wilde's life and work and celebrate his legendary wit, fabulous freedom and imaginative freedom with this work," he said. "We found the play felt very fresh and modern, and the night's audience reaction was incredible in the initial competition at the National Theatre."

The creative team produced included suit and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Nicola T. Chang, athletic director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille and composer DJ Walde.

The initial National Theater campaign took place from November 21, 2024 to January 25, 2025 at the Lyttelton Theater, and then broadcast live through the National Theater to the global broadcast theater.