The Importance of Being Oscar
From 7:30PM, Tuesday, July 14, 2026 to 7:30PM, Thursday, July 16, 2026
Venue: Darlington Hippodrome
Original Theatre & Reading Rep Theatre present THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OSCAR By Micheál Mac Liammóir Starring Alastair Whatley Directed by Michael Fentiman “Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.” Micheál Mac Liammóir’s renowned play The Importance of Being Oscar returns to the stage following huge critical acclaim and a hit London run. Step beyond the footlights into the private world of Oscar Wilde. Told in the shadows of Reading Gaol, where Wilde was imprisoned, this strictly limited run will immerse audiences in a compelling journey through the loves and losses, successes and struggles of the iconic man - from the eccentric socialite to the imprisoned outcast. A beautiful tribute to an icon of the world of theatre, liberally laced with Wilde's signature wit and wisdom and featuring excerpts of many of his best-loved works including An Ideal Husband, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ballad of Reading Gaol. This one man show promises to be a Wilde-ly entertaining night. Directed by Michael Fentiman (Amelie, Jekyll & Hyde, Lion Witch & Wardrobe) and produced by the Olivier nominated Original Theatre (Being Mr Wickham, The Interview, Birdsong). ★★★★★ “Captivating… A mesmerising one-man journey through Oscar Wilde’s brilliant life and works” Broadway World ★★★★★ "An elegant and electrifying revival" The Spy in the Stalls ★★★★★ "Phenomenal… Alastair Whatley is truly magnificent as Wilde” Theatre and Tonic ★★★★★ “An evening of unmissable magic” Plays to See ★★★★ “Powerful” The Arts Desk ★★★★ “An absolute delight… A whirlwind tour through the life of a literary icon” A Youngish Perspective “A beautiful production - intimate and utterly compelling” Gyles Brandreth ★★★★ “Funny, sad, thoughtful but always entertaining – this is a gem of a production.” New European ★★★★ "Whatley captures us completely and does not fail to deliver the interplay between the comedy of Wilde's work and the tragedies of his life" Mark Aspen Reviews "A seamless, single-handed performance" Reading Today "An evening of exquisite entertainment" Henley Standard ★★★★ "Whatley's interpretation of Oscar's bitter, accusatory letter to Bosie (De Profundis) is exemplary" The Reviews Hub ★★★★ "Heartbreaking and compelling" Love London Love Culture Age guidance 10+ DRAMA MULTIBUY OFFER: WOMAN IN BLACK*, MURDER AT MIDNIGHT, GLORIOUS, MIDSOMER MURDERS and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OSCAR: Save 10% when booking 2 dramas, 15% when booking 3 dramas, and 20% when booking 4 dramas. Tickets must be booked at the same time. *Multibuy offer only available on Tues-Thurs performances of The Woman in Black.