The Importance of Being Oscar
From 7:30PM, Tuesday, July 14, 2026 to 7:30PM, Thursday, July 16, 2026
Venue: Darlington Hippodrome
Members receive a 10% discount on this show – click on the ‘Memberships’ link at the very top of this page to find out more and sign up. “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 DRAMA MULTIBUY OFFER: 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.