Mrs Warren's Profession
Garrick Theatre
- Opens: Friday, 9 May 2025 -
Booking until: Friday, 15 August 2025
Mrs Warren's Profession description
Mrs Warren's Profession caused an unholy scandal back in the early 1900s, banned for criticising the establishment and mocking Victorian society. Now it's back in town again, at the Garrick Theatre, starring Imelda Staunton as the mother and her real-life daughter Bessie Carter as Vivie.
First performed in 1902, the play has been revived many times since the early 1900s in the UK, USA, New Zealand and more. This is the latest production of a story that never grows old. Interestingly the plot still resonates strongly in modern times in a world where, all too often, the opportunities given to women remain limited. No wonder it remains as popular as ever, and has been produced so many times in so many different countries.
What's the plot?
Innocent Vivie has just come home after graduating from university. Having never really got to know her own mum, this is her chance. But she's shocked to discover her mother used to be a prostitute and still owns a brothel, which is why she's so rich. Their relationship changes when Vivie discovers what her mother does for a living. The plot reveals the reasons behind Mrs Warren's career choice, explores the hypocrisy society viewed the world's oldest profession with, and criticises the limited opportunities given to women at the time.
The cast and creative team
This powerful exploration of power, poverty, and personal freedom stars Imelda Staunton (The Crown, Hello, Dolly!, Follies) as Mrs. Kitty Warren, and Bessie Carter as Vivie (TV's Bridgerton). The play is written by George Bernard Shaw and Directed by Dominic Cooke with design by Chloe Lamford and casting by Amy Ball.
Starring:
Imelda Staunton, Bessie Carter
