David Suchet leads the cast as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy about the social pretensions in Victorian society.

The seven-time Olivier Award nominee, who is best known for his performance as Belgian detective Poirot in the hit ITV series of the same name, follows in the footsteps of fellow actors Geoffrey Rush and Brian Bedford to don ladies’ attire in the role of Wilde’s ruthless and unforgettable social climber.

Directed by Adrian Noble, The Importance Of Being Earnest tells the story of two bachelor friends, dandy Algernon Moncrieff and reliable John (Jack) Worthing, as they take on double lives to court the attentions of the desirable Gwendolyn Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. But the gallants must then grapple with the uproarious consequences of their ruse… and with the formidable Lady Bracknell.

The production, which is directed by Adrian Noble, marks Suchet’s return to the London stage following his acclaimed performance in 2012’s Olivier Award-winning revival of Long Day’s Journey Into Night. The West End veteran’s other recent credits including All My Sons at the Apollo Theatre, The Last Confession at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Complicit at the Old Vic.

Suchet is joined by a cast including Michael Benz (Jack), Philip Cumbus (Algernon), Imogen Doel (Cecily) and Emily Barber (Gwendolyn).