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Review: Mrs Warren's Profession (Garrick Theatre)

Review by Daz Gale


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


It felt fitting that a day after seeing a show in which Bernard Shaw is heavily featured (The Frogs at Southwark Playhouse) that I would find myself watching one of his own classics, with the highly anticipated West End revival of Mrs Warren’s Profession. Reuniting the dream team of director Dominic Cooke and the multi Olivier-award winning Imelda Staunton, this production also offered the added excitement of Staunton starring with her real-life daughter, Bessie Carter. With such reliable names in the mix, would this new production be able to get the job done for all its sins?



Written by Bernard Shaw in 1893 and first performed in London in 1902, Mrs Warren’s Profession focuses on the differing dynamics between two generations of Warren women, with the progressive and fiercely independent Vivie Warren, living miles away from how her mother, Kitty, believes a woman should behave, With differences in their values and secrets from the past finally coming out, will the differing women be able to put their differences aside, or are some secrets beyond forgiveness?


Very clearly a product of its time, attitudes towards women have thankfully changed since Mrs Warren’s Profession was first written, meaning some of the ideals Vivie displays that would have been progressive at the time are now obviously the norm. That doesn’t detract from Shaw’s timeless writing, however, remaining accessible to every conceivable generation present at the performance I attended. Disregarding the era the play is set, the tale of a fractured and tricky relationship between a mother and daughter is one that can be transported to any number of settings, proving instantly relatable and, as such, allowing the audience to connect to a story in ways they otherwise might not have been able to. The theme of morality also is timeless in itself, allowing a window into a world of what once was and allowing comparisons into morality in today’s world.



It is Dominic Cooke’s direction that manages to bring something new and exciting out of Shaw’s classic story, with his high standards once again proving a winning formula in this exciting new production. A relatively small but visually striking stage, designed by Chloe Lamford, transitions through three settings as the story moves forwards, with Cooke making full use of this rather cramped and claustrophobic setting, creating a revolving door of the six cast members. An inspired touch is the inclusion of ten mute ensemble members, representing the nature of Mrs Warren’s profession itself and giving an ominous presence that makes the revelations of what Vivie’s mother actually does all the more impactful.


The masterstroke in Cooke’s production is in its lead casting. The dynamic between the mother and daughter is integral to the story and, as such, a dynamic that proves captivating and authentic is crucial. What could be more authentic than a real life mother and daughter? Some may cry nepotism or even stunt casting, but both women are proven actresses in their own right and the result of this on-stage pairing really is a stroke of genius.



Imelda Staunton really can do no wrong, as proven with yet another well deserved Olivier Award win for best actress earlier this year. Her impeccably high standard for acting and unrivaled ability to tap into a character is once again present here with her turn on Mrs Kitty Warren complex, intriguing and always enthralling. Quite an intense character, Kitty’s emotions can be all over the place, and Staunton delights in her effortless ability to channel every nuance of them. Her finest moment comes in a prolonged conversation with Vivie in the first half of the play - as Kitty reveals the previously unmentioned details of her life in what is essentially a monologue, Staunton is at her best in a sweet and tender moment that genuinely tugged at my heartstrings. A colder nature in other parts of the play changed the meaning of it, only going to showcase the depth in Staunton’s acting. 


Her character may be the subject of the title with Imelda Staunton’s name above it, but it is her daughter who steals the show here. With far more stage time than her mother, Bessie Carter has a lot more to do in Mrs Warren’s Profession - as she grapples with the truth about her mother and conflictions about what she wants to do with her life as opposed to what others expect her to do, Carter beautifully embodies a woman sure of her own identity but struggling to make others see her for her true self. Though she has key moments with every cast member, it is the scenes with Staunton that truly make the stage come alive. The real life dynamic the pair have spills is clear to see, leaving a multifaceted and urgent performance from them both. When it comes to that family, it is clear to see the talent has been passed down through the generations - with that said, don’t be surprised if Bessie Carter follows in her mother’s footsteps and wins herself an Olivier Award.



The play may be dominated by the Warren women, but that doesn’t stop the remaining cast members from delivering consistent performances. Sid Sagar gives an understated portrayal of Mr Praed, with brief but memorable appearances from Kevin Doyle as Rev. Samuel Gardner. Reuben Joseph is perfectly charming as Frank Gardner, while Robert Glenister is brilliantly sinister in a standout turn as Sir George Crofts.


Much may have changed in the world since Mrs Warren’s Profession was first seen, but this play stands the test of time with Shaw’s tale of morality, femininity and family all timeless in their nature. Not only that, but with Dominic Cooke’s inspired direction, he has brought something new and captivating to the story. With many reasons to love this production, it is the sensational dynamic between Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter that proves the best, with the chance to see these two powerhouse performers together truly thrilling. No matter what you may think of the nature of Mrs Warren’s profession, when you have cast and creatives as highly skilled as this, they are all very clearly in the right line of work.


Mrs Warren’s Profession plays at the Garrick Theatre until 16th August.


Photos by Johan Persson

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