The National Theatre has announced that its critically acclaimed production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will be available to stream worldwide for free. This digital release is part of the "Take Your Seats" initiative, a weeklong program designed to bring world-class stage performances to a global audience. The production, directed by Max Webster, will premiere on YouTube on 12 March 2026 at 7pm GMT.
During the premiere, audiences can participate in a digital watch-along featuring interactive polls and a live chat function. For those unable to join the initial broadcast, the play will remain available on YouTube until 18 March. To ensure the widest possible access, the stream will include options for captions, audio description, and British Sign Language. Following the free window, the production will move to the National Theatre at Home platform for subscribers on 19 March.
The production features a high-profile cast led by three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa, known for his roles in Doctor Who and Sex Education. They are joined by Ronk? Adék?lu?´j?´, Eliza Scanlen, and Hugh Skinner. This reimagining was captured live during its original run at the National Theatre in the winter of 2024, a season that saw the play reach over 175,000 people through international cinema screenings.
Max Webster’s direction has been praised for its celebratory and exuberant energy. After its initial run, the production transferred to the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End, where a new cast—including Stephen Fry and Olly Alexander—continued to perform to packed houses until early 2025. This streaming event now allows fans who missed the live shows in London to experience the original National Theatre staging from their own homes.
The "Take Your Seats" program is made possible through a partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has reached hundreds of thousands of viewers with free streams of previous hits like Othello and Nye. This mission continues to support the National Theatre’s goal of making high-quality art accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial circumstances.
