Olly Alexander lands West End role after leaving record deal

Olly Alexander, a well-known singer and actor, has announced an exciting new chapter in his career as he prepares to star in the West End production of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest. This opportunity comes after Olly recently ended his contract with his record label, giving him the freedom to explore new creative paths. The play, which will be staged at the Noel Coward Theatre in London starting in September, will see Olly take on the role of Algernon, a charming and witty character. Olly expressed his enthusiasm for the role, describing the play as one of Wilde's most celebrated comedies and praising the National Theatre's production he had seen earlier.

Olly first rose to fame as the lead singer of the band Years & Years, known for hits like King and Shine. He later pursued a solo career while still performing with the band, achieving chart success and collaborating with music legends such as Elton John and Kylie Minogue. In 2024, he represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest with his song Dizzy, finishing in 18th place. Despite his musical achievements, Olly decided not to renew his record contract after his latest album Polari reached number 17 on the charts. He explained that the traditional music industry model is outdated and no longer fits the way artists want to connect with their audiences today. Social media allows musicians to share their work directly with fans, and the old system of releasing multiple singles, touring, and then moving on to the next album is becoming less effective.

Now, Olly is focusing more on acting, a passion he has wanted to return to for some time. The Importance of Being Earnest is a farcical comedy about two young men who create fake identities to escape social responsibilities and to win the hearts of two women. The play humorously critiques social expectations and class roles, themes that remain relevant despite the story being set over a century ago. Olly is excited to perform regularly in one venue in London, appreciating the stability it offers compared to the constant travel of touring. He looks forward to this new phase of his career, balancing his love for music and acting while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life.