Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter Star in a Mixed Revival of Shaw’s Mrs Warren’s Profession

London, May 23, 2025 – The Garrick Theatre hosts a new production of George Bernard Shaw’s provocative play, Mrs Warren’s Profession, featuring real-life mother and daughter Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter. Directed by Dominic Cooke, this revival condenses Shaw’s verbose classic into a brisk 1-hour-45-minute performance, but the result feels uneven despite its stellar cast.

The play explores the tense relationship between Vivie Warren, a forward-thinking Cambridge graduate with legal ambitions, and her mother, Kitty Warren, a brothel madam whose wealth funded Vivie’s education. Staunton delivers a commanding performance as Kitty, embodying a woman shaped by a patriarchal society, with a striking striped dress and moments of raw intensity. Carter, known for Bridgerton, plays 

Vivie with conviction, highlighting her character’s modern ideals. However, the production struggles to balance tones, with Staunton’s melodramatic delivery clashing with the lighter, comedic elements of the supporting cast.

Cooke’s staging, complete with a lush garden set and a glowing sun-like disc, aims for visual impact but doesn’t fully resolve the play’s pacing issues. Shaw’s sharp commentary on gender, capitalism, and morality remains relevant, yet the production feels mechanical at times, missing the emotional depth needed to elevate it beyond a solid effort. The ensemble, including strong performances from actors like Kevin Doyle, adds charm, but the revival doesn’t consistently capture the play’s potential.

Mrs Warren’s Profession runs at the Garrick Theatre until August 16, 2025. Tickets are available through the theatre’s website.