Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Shaw, 1893) is a play written by Bernard Shaw. It has a history of being performed on London stages after an initial ban due to the explicit content which is discussed.
A new production of Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Garrick Theatre, 2025) is currently playing a limited run at the Garrick Theatre on London’s West End, directed by Dominic Cooke. This production features a mother played by Imelda Staunton and her daughter (in show and real life) Bessie Carter. Now this was my first time ever seeing Staunton in a show, as well as her daughter Carter so I was looking forward to seeing them in action!
The story follows Vivie Warren, a recently graduated student who is awaiting her mother, Kitty Warren to visit her in the English countryside. Meanwhile, Frank Gardner wants to be romantically entangled with Vivie for the money, as too does Sir George Crofts: Kitty’s business partner. Vivie is against dating either man, discussing how she is a modern woman and should be confident independently.
Furthermore, Vivie feels she doesn’t understand her mother and the profession she undertakes. Kitty on the other hand, believes that her daughter should get married and is reluctant to open up. All of this drama incorporates further storylines, including finding more information about Kitty’s profession (I was not expecting it) and some groundbreaking revelations about the group of characters.
The set in this show is set around a circular rotating platform, slowly being stripped away to symbolise the meaning of the show. The symbolism of the beautiful nature vs the office building is a great contrast and the set is seamless in its transitions. Furthermore, the music works well with the piece: adding mystery and intrigue to the situation.
Seeing the legend that is Imelda Staunton in person was incredible! She is fantastic and shares some amazing scenes within this show with her own daughter. Each scream, cry and weep sounded some genuine and she played a character, which could be difficult to like, extremely well. Similarly, the rest of the cast were fantastic within their roles, each suited the situation and scenario.
However, the stand out of this piece was Bessie Carter! I have never heard of her before, having not watched any of her work before. But, she stole every scene she was in! The way she delivered each line with pure emotion was incredible to watch and, I apologise Imelda, she outshined her own mother! It makes me very eager to see Bessie tackle other shows (potentially a musical as I think she can probably do anything!).
If you have spare time or fancy a powerful show, pop down to the Garrick Theatre before the 16th August! You will not want to miss Mrs. Warren’s Profession, featuring Bessie Carter and Imelda Staunton!
Max
References:
Garrick Theatre (2025) ‘Mrs. Warren’s Profession’. Available at: https://thegarricktheatre.co.uk/tickets/mrs-warrens-profession/
Shaw, B. (1893) ‘Mrs. Warren’s Profession’
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