A new production in London, starring Ncuti Gatwa, releases Oscar Wilde’s 1895 comedy from period convention and brings it stunningly into the 21st century.

Max Webster’s superb cast anchors an innuendo-laden production that leans into slapstick and visual gags with relish

The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre review: Ncuti Gatwa stars in a fizzing production - 4/5 Expect Bridgerton-style colourblind casting and sexual fluidity in this radical reinvent

Max Webster’s revival of the Oscar Wilde classic runs at the Lyttelton Theatre until 25 January – and will then be screened in cinemas

The National Theatre's sparkling production shakes up Oscar Wilde's classic comedy - and leans into its permissiveness and same-sex attractions

This is an Earnest for a new generation, Bridgertonian in its approach and just brat enough. Everybody is a little gay. Everybody is incredibly horny. Everybody has the smoothest comeback. Webster forgoes any sanctimony with sacrilegious extravagance.

Max Webster is the directorial hotshot who gave us the high-risk, low-decibel Macbeth at the Donmar – starring David Tennant – and reaped the deserved reward of a West End transfer, still running. Winging from infernal interiority,