Mrs Warren's Profession
The curtain rises on a circular, floral garden — inviting, quintessentially British, and deceptively serene. It's a fitting metaphor for George Bernard Shaw's Mrs Warren’s Profession, a play that politely sips tea before plunging its audience into questions of morality, money, and maternal bonds. Dominic Cooke’s production at the Garrick Theatre doesn’t quite ignite every layer of Shaw’s social firecracker, but it simmers with strong performances and a striking visual metaphor for the uncomfortable topics about to be revealed. The revolving stage adds an interesting symbolism of the twists and turns that are to come in this well-loved play.
Imelda Staunton steps into the title role with all the wit and force we’ve come to expect. Her Mrs Warren is brisk, arch, and occasionally cruel — but it’s in the hands of her real-life daughter, Bessie Carter, that the heart of the play beats loudest. As Vivie, Carter brings a fierce intelligence and steely poise, commanding the stage with confidence and grounding the piece with a clarity of thought and emotion.
Their scenes together, although not always entirely emotionally charged to the max, were still extremely compelling to watch — bristling with the uneasy electricity that only a mother-daughter dynamic can spark.
The set design by Chloe Lamford begins in a lush, almost storybook garden, gradually stripped back scene by scene until we are left in a cold, white-walled office space. Jon Clark’s lighting is equally restrained but effective, casting long shadows as the tone darkens and giving emotional shape to the dramatic scenes.
Cooke’s direction offers elegance more than edge. With a gradual dismantling of the lush garden set — until we eventually arrive in a sterile, minimalist office. It’s a clever, if not revelatory, visual cue which emphasises the story arch once again for the audience. Yet despite the aesthetic grace, the production sometimes feels emotionally underpowered. Connections between characters and the actors are hinted at rather than fully realised, perhaps a symptom of opening night jitters.
The audience, for their part, seemed wholly engaged — laughing in the right places, murmuring approval, and offering a warm reception at curtain call. There’s enough here to satisfy fans of both Shaw and Staunton, but does this Mrs Warren’s Profession digs beneath the surface of its own cleverness?
A solid, well-crafted revival — but is it one that leaves you admiring the garden rather than smelling the roses? Check out this (1 hour 45 mins) one act play at the Garrick Theatre before it closes.
This show was reviewed on the 22nd May 2025 at The Garrick Theatre, London where it runs until the 16th August 2025. Tickets available here: Mrs. Warren’s Profession - Garrick Theatre
Review written by Lauren Atkinson
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Photo credit: Johan Persson
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