Review: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST - National Theatre Live
There’s always a slight hesitation when watching a stage production on screen. Will it still feel as magical? Will the comedy still land? Will Lady Bracknell’s entrance still feel like an event? But from the moment this National Theatre production of The Importance of Being Earnest begins, any doubts vanish. What made it such a triumph on stage - the razor-sharp wit, the pitch-perfect timing, and the sheer joy of the performances - is all beautifully preserved, and if anything, the camera adds an extra layer of intimacy, pulling us in closer to relish every arched eyebrow, every perfectly timed pause, and every deliciously ridiculous moment of Oscar Wilde’s most beloved comedy.
A Classic with a Contemporary Spark
Director Max Webster has taken Wilde’s famously witty and wonderfully absurd play and given it a fresh, dynamic energy that makes it feel as lively and relevant today as it must have in 1895. The story, for those somehow unfamiliar, revolves around mistaken identities, outrageous social conventions, and the perils of an ill-placed handbag - all wrapped up in Wilde’s trademark blend of biting satire and farcical delight. In this version, the humour is sharper than ever, with a playfulness that never tips into self-indulgence, and the pacing is just right, allowing each joke and revelation to land with the maximum amount of comedic impact.
A Cast That Understands the Assignment
The entire ensemble is impeccable, but special mention must go to Hugh Skinner, whose portrayal of Jack Worthing is an absolute joy to watch. Skinner has a gift for combining sincerity with absurdity, making Jack’s increasing exasperation all the more hilarious as he gets tangled in his own web of deceptions. Ncuti Gatwa’s Algernon, meanwhile, is the epitome of effortless charm and mischief, bringing a brilliantly modern energy to the role while never straying from the spirit of Wilde’s text. Their chemistry together crackles, making every scene between them feel like a masterclass in comic timing.
And then, of course, there’s Sharon D Clarke as Lady Bracknell. If the play were just two hours of her delivering the line “A handbag?” in different ways, it would still be worth the ticket price. Every moment she’s on screen is pure theatrical gold - commanding, precise, and outrageously funny. The supporting cast is equally fantastic, with Ronkẹ Adékoluẹ́jọ́ as a wonderfully sharp Gwendolen and Eliza Scanlen’s Cecily bringing a delightful combination of innocence and cunning to the role. Their battle of wits over tea is a highlight, all sugar-coated barbs and steely determination.
The Cinematic Experience: A Front-Row Seat to Theatrical Brilliance
What’s particularly exciting about this production making its way onto the big screen is the way the camera captures details that might have been missed in the theatre. The tight close-ups allow us to fully appreciate every subtle expression, every flicker of irritation or triumph, making the comedy feel even more precise. The direction ensures that we’re not just passive observers but right there in the thick of the action, as if we’re sitting in the best seats in the house.
The cinematography also enhances the richness of the set and costume design. Rae Smith’s set is both grand and playful, perfectly complementing the heightened absurdity of the plot, while the costumes are an absolute treat - vibrant, opulent, and full of personality. Algernon, of course, gets the most flamboyant wardrobe, but even the more traditional outfits are rich with character, helping to reinforce the class distinctions and social absurdities that Wilde so expertly skewers.
Final Thoughts: Five Stars, No Notes
Watching The Importance of Being Earnest in the cinema is the perfect way to experience this dazzling production all over again- or for the first time if you missed it on stage. The humour is still razor-sharp, the performances are still pitch-perfect, and thanks to the clever camera work, it feels even more intimate and alive than ever. Whether you’re a die-hard Wilde fan or just looking for two hours of sheer theatrical joy, this is one to watch. And if you find yourself laughing out loud in the cinema (which you absolutely will), just know that Oscar Wilde would most certainly approve.
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