Original Theatre & Reading Rep Theatre present
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OSCAR
By Micheál Mac Liammóir
Starring Alastair Whatley
Directed by Michael Fentiman
“A beautiful production – intimate and utterly compelling” Gyles Brandreth
Oscar Wilde became an icon on his death.
But the life he lived was far more dramatic than anything he ever wrote.
This funny and fiercely moving show, features a tour de force central performance from Alastair Whatley, hailed as ★★★★★ “truly magnificent…phenomenal to watch” (Theatre and Tonic).
Oscar, his rise and fall, his glory and his devastation, is conjured back to life through his own words and those of his fiercest champion, the fabled Irish writer Micheál Mac Liammóir.
We meet the man who lived and loved without compromise, whilst creating some of the most famous – and famously funny – plays still adored by millions today.
Experience Oscar as you’ve never seen him before – real, raw, defiant.
This legendary play helped redefine our attitudes and appreciation of a man whose life became his work of art and is returning for a limited UK tour ahead of a London run.
Directed by Michael Fentiman (Amelie, Jekyll & Hyde, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) and produced by the Olivier nominated Original Theatre (Being Mr Wickham, The Interview, Birdsong).
★★★★★ “Phenomenal… Alastair Whatley is truly magnificent as Wilde” Theatre and Tonic
★★★★★ “Captivating” Broadway World
★★★★★ “elegant and electrifying” The Spy in the Stalls
★★★★★ “unmissable magic” Plays to See
★★★★ “Powerful” The Arts Desk
★★★★ “An absolute delight” A Youngish Perspective
★★★★ “a gem” New European
★★★★ “Whatley captures us completely ” Mark Aspen Reviews
★★★★ “Whatley’s interpretation of Oscar…exemplary” The Reviews Hub
★★★★ “Heartbreaking and compelling” Love London Love Culture
Age guidance 10+
Production Photos by Marc Brenner
