A one-man show by Original Theatre in which Alastair Whatley plays Oscar Wilde, weaving excerpts of his works with his wit, directed by Michael Fentiman.
The Importance of Being Oscar comes to Derby Theatre on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 January 2027, with evening shows at 7.30pm and matinees at 2.30pm. It's a one-man show that puts Oscar Wilde's life on stage — the loves, the losses, the successes and the struggles — and it does so with his own wit running through it. Alastair Whatley takes the role of Wilde, and the script weaves in excerpts from some of his best-known work: An Ideal Husband, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ballad of Reading Gaol.
It's produced by Original Theatre, the Olivier-nominated company behind Being Mr Wickham, The Interview and Birdsong, and directed by Michael Fentiman, whose credits include Amélie, Jekyll & Hyde and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The show runs for two hours and thirty minutes, so it's a proper evening's theatre rather than a quick turn.
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Derby Theatre is in St Peter's Quarter, the city's main spot for world-class theatre — a lively arts hub that puts on comedy and drama alongside workshops, classes and events celebrating the arts. This production will be in the Main House at 15 Theatre Walk, DE1 2NF. Tickets are £26, and there's age guidance of 10+.
Date
20 January – 21 January
19:30
Location
Derby Theatre, Main HousePrice
Paid
Recommended Age
+14 years
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