Ncuti Gatwa to lead Oscar Wilde's play revival in London
What's the story
Ncuti Gatwa, best known for his role in Doctor Who, is set to star in a new version of Oscar Wilde's 1895 classic play The Importance of Being Earnest. The production will be staged at the prestigious National Theatre in London. The play, exploring the double lives of characters Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, is being reimagined by Max Webster. This project marks Webster's debut at the National Theatre.
Ensemble details
Star-studded cast and creative team for Wilde's play revival
Joining Gatwa on stage will be Hugh Skinner as Jack Worthing, Sharon D. Clarke as Lady Bracknell, Amanda Lawrence as Miss Prism, and Richard Cant as Reverend Canon Chasuble. Gatwa will essay Moncrieff. The production boasts an impressive creative team with Rae Smith handling set and costume design, Jon Clark managing lighting design, Nicola T. Chang overseeing sound design, DJ Walde composing music, Carrie-Anne Ingrouille directing movement, and Alastair Coomer CDG in charge of casting.
Director's remarks
National Theatre director expressed excitement
Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming production. He stated, "It is a joy to be welcoming Max Webster in his National Theatre directorial debut with a new production of Oscar Wilde's hilariously subversive comedy 'The Importance of Being Earnest.'" "Max has assembled an extraordinary cast to reimagine one of our greatest comedies, with Ncuti Gatwa making his National Theatre debut."
Gatwa's career
Gatwa's career beyond 'Doctor Who'
Gatwa—who hails from Scotland—was a part of Greta Gerwig's Barbie last year. Apart from his appearance on Doctor Who, he is also known for starring in Netflix's Sex Education, the British sitcom Bob Servant, and Apple TV+'s Masters of the Air. He is a prolific stage performer, having acted in plays such as Shakespeare in Love and A Midsummer Night's Dream.