The Importance of Being Oscar
Overview
Original Theatre & Reading Rep 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).
Supporters on sale: 21 Oct
Members on sale: 22 Oct
General on sale: 29 Oct
Become a member to access priority booking.
If a performance is sold out, email info@northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151 to be added to our waiting list.
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Reviews
★★★★★ “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
There are two entrances to the theatre, Kings Road Entrance (this is the taxi drop-off/collection point) and the Main Entrance.
Both level entrances have automated doors. These lead into the foyer area where you will find the Restaurant, Bar, Box Office and entrances to Stages 1, 2 and 3.
STEP FREE ACCESS
Northern Stage is fully accessible. The theatre has three lifts providing access to all parts of the building, including the accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, stages 2 & 3 and the backstage area. Buggy parking is available
WHEELCHAIR SPACES
There are five wheelchair positions in Stage 1, two positions in Stage 2 and all seats are removeable in Stage 3.
TOILETS
We have a Changing Places toilet in the Stage 1 lobby and accessible toilets in Stage 3 and Stage 2 lower entrance lobby. Gender neutral toilets are situated in the Stage 2 lower entrance lobby.
HEARING ENHANCEMENT
Induction loop system in all public spaces, and an infra-red system in all three stages. (In Stage 1 the induction loop is best covered in rows E – L).
ASSISTANCE
One free ticket for the assistant of a disabled person who is not able to attend unaccompanied.
BOOKING COMPANION SEATING
To book a free ticket for a wheelchair companion or an assistant, contact our Box Office on 0191 230 5151, via email at boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk or by visiting our Box Office in person.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide, hearing and all working dogs are welcome here.
SEAT ACCESSIBILITY
Stage 1: Seats are 43 cm wide, 41cm deep, with 46cm between arm rests. The aisleway is 51cm deep from the seat back. Arm rests cannot be removed.
Stage 2: Seats are 40cm wide, 41cm deep. The aisleway is 64cm deep from the seat back. There are no arm rests.
Our seats are rated to British Standards at installation and are guaranteed to hold up to 110kg.
More Information
To discuss any access needs, take a look at our access page or please call our Box Office on 0191 230 5151.