I was lucky enough to see the filmed performance and it was incredible. Anyone seeing it in cinemas is in for an absolute treat. It has its own spin (the opening dance numbers, Sharon D Clarke’s distinctly Caribbean auntie-esque Lady Bracknell) but preserves the timeless wit of the original text while restoring the rarely performed fourth act. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Also I am glad that the National Theatre seems to realise that people who complain about Black actors and *gasp* queer people in theatre are not the kind of people who buy theatre tickets. They might prefer a po-faced Earnest where the exclusively white cast doesn’t seem to know they’re starring in a comedy, but I’m glad their preferences don’t always have to be indulged.
It just really works, the second she started talking I thought to myself, yep, this makes so much sense. Lady Blacknell as a Nigerian or Jamaican mother makes so much sense, because that's what West African Mama's are like. I've always supported colour blind casting, but this is coloured casting-not in the way you think-like taking a black and white drawing and adding colour, it enhances the art.
I'm very, very excited about this- but I cannot go to cinemas cos it's too hard to find subtitled versions for the deaf. Will this be available for purchase at home? Really do want to see it. Thank you!
The amount of people here who are ignorance of theatre, reinvention and interpretation is unreal. Also you can tell who's never set foot in theatre because not once have their complained about black or asian Fontaine's in Les Mis in theatre, because they simply don't know a thing about it. Christ I wonder how Shakespeare, keeps getting shown 400 years later or Oedipus which currently has 2 different versions running in the West End or Ibsen, Brecht. Etc Edit *who are not who've
Something so unapologetically FUN couldn't come at a better time. I was already planning to see it at my local movie theater but after watching this, now I'm going to unearth my copy from high school and reread it too 😂
This is one of my favourite plays, to read and watch. My only problem with this cast is that Cecily is Jack's ward and she looks and sounds older than him. Other than that it looks as outrageous as Mr Wilde himself.
I was at the preview night and i gave to say i hated it. The whole point of Wilde's text is the shade. It wad like Carry On Earnest. The fenale "juvenile" leads were lascivious crotch rubbers and Jack Worthing was a bit-part in his own story. Ncuti Gatwa needs to learn how to be an ensemble player. Not every scene is about him.
Well, it is a stage production and usually those require the actors to speak loudly enough to allow everyone watching the performance in the theatre to hear them! :)
For me this play is about the measured manners and hypocrisy of the Victorians… this looks like a pantomime. I’ve nothing against revivals or modernising classics but this does not do it for me. Enjoy though, if it’s your bag. Vive la différence!
OH NO! Black folks on stage!! Get a life. This production was hilarious.its not your grandma's 'Ernest' it's a production that leans into the subtext, it's bright, it's camp and everything Oscar Wilde would want it to be.
People are allowed to make their own adaptations of works, especially public domain works. And people are free to choose to watch this or come here and grizzle about how much "woke gone mad". 😂
Ncuti is killing every single suit and dress he is given.
He's a black guy that is trying to appeal to white liberals
I was lucky enough to see the filmed performance and it was incredible. Anyone seeing it in cinemas is in for an absolute treat. It has its own spin (the opening dance numbers, Sharon D Clarke’s distinctly Caribbean auntie-esque Lady Bracknell) but preserves the timeless wit of the original text while restoring the rarely performed fourth act. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Also I am glad that the National Theatre seems to realise that people who complain about Black actors and *gasp* queer people in theatre are not the kind of people who buy theatre tickets. They might prefer a po-faced Earnest where the exclusively white cast doesn’t seem to know they’re starring in a comedy, but I’m glad their preferences don’t always have to be indulged.
I was desperately hoping Sharon would play Lady Bracknell with a West Indian auntie accent. And she has delivered.
It just really works, the second she started talking I thought to myself, yep, this makes so much sense. Lady Blacknell as a Nigerian or Jamaican mother makes so much sense, because that's what West African Mama's are like. I've always supported colour blind casting, but this is coloured casting-not in the way you think-like taking a black and white drawing and adding colour, it enhances the art.
@ Yes! That’s it exactly. It’s making me even more excited to see it.
Ncuti is already so devastatingly charasmatic in this one-minute trailer. Hopefully this will be shown in a theater near my town!
I have no idea what is happening here, but I'm pretty sure Wilde would approve. I must see this.
What an amazing cast! This might become my favourite version. I wish I lived in England!!
The Importance of Being Earnest is in cinemas worldwide! 😀 Visit theimportanceofbeingearnest.ntlive.com for more information.
Yayyyy! More plays/musicals should do a pro shot ❤@@NationalTheatre
"I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time."
“Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess." 😉
I literally cannot stop thinking about how impeccable this cast is!
Ncuti is is feeling his inner Barbie in that pink dress❤❤❤💖💖
African names spelled correctly damn near made me cry ❤
But still using a European alphabet. Shocking.
@@finncullen Well y'know, colonialism. Not that shocking.
I'm very, very excited about this- but I cannot go to cinemas cos it's too hard to find subtitled versions for the deaf. Will this be available for purchase at home? Really do want to see it. Thank you!
I hope they will make it available on the National Theatre at Home app/webpage later.
@ I really hope so, too!
The amount of people here who are ignorance of theatre, reinvention and interpretation is unreal. Also you can tell who's never set foot in theatre because not once have their complained about black or asian Fontaine's in Les Mis in theatre, because they simply don't know a thing about it. Christ I wonder how Shakespeare, keeps getting shown 400 years later or Oedipus which currently has 2 different versions running in the West End or Ibsen, Brecht. Etc
Edit *who are not who've
never heard this story but Ncuti in those outfits is enough for me
Saw this yesterday. Flawless.
I hope this makes it to the arthouse European cinemas as well
Where was this version when I taught it two years ago!
Thank you for thinking about it. I know I would love to be your student.
One of my favorite plays and I just KNOW Ncuti is gonna do it perfectly
Tingles received from time zones away- Cheers!
Something so unapologetically FUN couldn't come at a better time. I was already planning to see it at my local movie theater but after watching this, now I'm going to unearth my copy from high school and reread it too 😂
Without doubt my favorite Oscar Wilde play, i need to see if i can see this somewhere!
Ncuti omg so good in this!
i loved this book.
Booked !
Looks so goooooood
This is one of my favourite plays, to read and watch. My only problem with this cast is that Cecily is Jack's ward and she looks and sounds older than him. Other than that it looks as outrageous as Mr Wilde himself.
LOL, all the pearl clutching in this comment section 😂
@NationalTheatre The Importance of Being Doctor who 😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂
I was at the preview night and i gave to say i hated it. The whole point of Wilde's text is the shade. It wad like Carry On Earnest. The fenale "juvenile" leads were lascivious crotch rubbers and Jack Worthing was a bit-part in his own story. Ncuti Gatwa needs to learn how to be an ensemble player. Not every scene is about him.
That sounds like the director's fault more than Ncuti's.
Very shouty that trailer
Well, it is a stage production and usually those require the actors to speak loudly enough to allow everyone watching the performance in the theatre to hear them! :)
There are quiet moments, too. Brilliant production.
@greyarea6688
A competent stage actor has the technique of projecting without shouting. When a stage actor shouts it’s intentional.
For me this play is about the measured manners and hypocrisy of the Victorians… this looks like a pantomime. I’ve nothing against revivals or modernising classics but this does not do it for me. Enjoy though, if it’s your bag. Vive la différence!
Once upon a time it was worth going to the NT. Judging from this, not anymore!
And who are you to judge? 😂
Someone's clutching their handbag.
Like you ever went there 😅
OH NO! Black folks on stage!! Get a life. This production was hilarious.its not your grandma's 'Ernest' it's a production that leans into the subtext, it's bright, it's camp and everything Oscar Wilde would want it to be.
Ελληνίδα μωρη θεια😂😂;
Utterly ridiculous! Who dreamt up this trashing of a classic?
ur MOTHER !
its called getting with the times if you dont like it you know what you can do
People are allowed to make their own adaptations of works, especially public domain works. And people are free to choose to watch this or come here and grizzle about how much "woke gone mad". 😂
Trashing like you even know the original 😂
It's definitely not your grandma's 'Earnest' it's bright, csmp and very funny. You should stay home for this one.