The Importance of Being Oscar by Michéal Mac Liammóir, UK Tour: Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JP | 25th July 2026, Touring Until February 2027 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Mary-Ellen Dyson

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

The Importance of Being Oscar

by Michéal Mac Liammóir

UK Tour: Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JP | 25th July 2026, Touring Until February 2027

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Mary-Ellen Dyson

“Emotionally and intellectually rich”

Who is Oscar Wilde? “The Importance of Being Oscar” may not provide any answers, but it will certainly have you asking the question.

Micheál Mac Liammóir’s play, which premiered in 1960, knits narration together with Wilde’s own words to form a narrative of his life. Wilde often glitters; in this play, he glows.

In our present day, we often pigeonhole Oscar Wilde as the archetypal witty, flamboyant homosexual; someone whom we recognise from the 21st century; someone who dared to be different and paid the price; someone who, in spite of his difference, is, in some way, relatable. I had feared that the show would present a caricature of Wilde, a Wilde made in our own image. I needn’t have worried.

This show doesn’t shy away from the complexity of the person. Yes, Oscar Wilde was witty, frequently, but the material presented in this show suggests that he often aspired to something far deeper than that. Wilde wrote of love, of lust, of shame, of sorrow, of the meaning of sorrow, the beauty of sorrow, even of Jesus Christ Himself, whose Most Sorrowful Passion helped Wilde to find meaning in his own sorrow. Wilde is the man who typifies ars gratia artis – art for art’s sake – yet, particularly in his poetry and later work, he appears not only to be pursuing art, but the truth behind it. In this context, his flippancy, whilst not an act, appears to be more closely akin to that of a court jester – telling people the truth by taking them unawares. By depicting Oscar Wilde in his fullness, this play creates an experience deeply satisfying in its ambiguity.

Every aspect of this show is strong. Alastair Whatley’s acting is tremendous. This is a one-man play, yet it contains many moments of dialogue between Wilde and his friends. In Whatley’s hands, each character is given their own voice and presence without descending into caricature. The depth and breadth of the emotional landscape is vivid and well-portrayed throughout. Whatley remains engaging for the full ninety minutes. A masterful performance.

The entire creative team have worked splendidly together to create a strong, cohesive piece, possessing its own distinctive style without ever swamping the text. In their hands, minimal staging is hugely effective. Two LED lighting rings with the odd backlight and spotlight do extraordinary work creating the atmosphere. The disappearance of a jacket and a lamp after the interval carries tremendous weight. The staging supports the words in setting the scene, rather than the other way around; an excellent choice with a script like this. These creative choices perfectly suit the play and allow it to flourish.

This is a thinking man’s play. It’s very cerebral, and it will suit those who appreciate the beauty of words. If you have a vivid imagination, you will enjoy this immensely; the staging may be bare, but you will spend the evening with technicolour images of Wilde’s life and times dancing in your mind.

Will Oscarphiles love this show? Yes, absolutely. Will those who’ve seen the odd Wilde play enjoy this show? Yes, definitely. Is this a good introduction to Wilde? Perhaps; it’s certainly comprehensive and clear, but his plays are well-known because they’re accessible, and that might be a better place to start.

This is an engaging, vivid, emotionally and intellectually rich evening spent in the company of a true great. The importance of being Oscar? Oscar was nothing but himself.

Cast and Creatives

Writer – Micheál Mac Liammóir
Performer – Alastair Whatley
Director – Michael Fentiman
Lighting Designer – Chris Davey
Set and Costume Designer – Madeleine Girling
Associate Director – Pip Minnithorpe
Sound Designer – Barnaby Race
Sound Associate – Gareth Stevens