Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter Clash in a Riveting Mother-Daughter Showdown!

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

In this refined retelling of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs Warren’s Profession, I step onto the stage alongside my real-life daughter Bessie Carter, portraying characters that were so daring and controversial they were banned for nearly a decade during the Victorian era. It wasn’t until 1902 that this play, which deals with themes of morality, family, and the exploitation of women, finally saw its first performance.

Its crime? Why, a nuanced and sympathetic depiction of women, of course.

The story unfolds as Vivie and Mrs. Warren reconnect, having been apart for many years due to their separated parenting, while Mrs. Warren is in England on a visit.

Vivie is a straightforward and ambitious individual with a degree in mathematics who strongly dislikes the concept of romance – and for now, no one has been able to change her mind on this matter. On the other hand, Mrs. Kitty Warren is characterized by a harsh tone and cold practicality. It’s revealed that she amassed her fortune through sex work in the past, eventually expanding her business to a network of brothels spread across the continent.

In simpler terms, this fact comes as a shock to the unsuspecting Vivie, prompting her to experience a variety of emotions – from anger over what’s right to empathy and concern – in a manner timelessly relatable to any period.

These scenes are the most compelling parts of the show, where Staunton and Carter engage in a tense standoff, subtly manipulating our emotions as they engage in debates about various societal and generational issues. Neither character emerges clearly victorious, as Kitty sometimes seems coldly capitalistic, only to reveal vulnerability at other times, while Vivie fluctuates between being prudish, judgmental, and warm.

Their dialogues are flawlessly delivered, with lines bouncing effectively off each other. Yet, they artfully incorporate pauses and stillness, creating an authentic feel. This is further enhanced by the contemporary approach to themes such as sex work and womanhood, which are portrayed as part of society rather than being judged by a single woman’s morality – quite revolutionary…

Indeed, the strong and noticeable chemistry between them made the moments seem strikingly similar to two females engaging in a conversation about society during a live podcast session. Moreover, neither of them emerged victorious from their argument, but both managed to convince us that the Staunton/Carter acting lineage remains robust.

In these instances, the enchantment didn’t extend to the additional male characters, who primarily existed to set up the scenes involving the Warrens. Given the intricacies of the plot and the background players essential to Mrs. Warren’s narrative, I’m not convinced that’s necessarily a shortcoming.

The play’s frequent inclusion of young actors dressed in clothing from the appropriate time period, who serve as ethereal figures during the production, repeatedly underscores the fact that this play centers around women.

When and where can I see Mrs Warren’s Profession?

Mrs Warren’s Profession will run at Garrick Theatre from now until 16th August 2025.

To reach the theater conveniently, consider going to either Leicester Square or Charing Cross. Both locations have multiple underground lines that can take you there:

* Leicester Square is served by the Piccadilly Line and Northern Line.
* Charing Cross has the Northern Line and Bakerloo Line.

By choosing either of these stations, you’ll be able to easily reach the theater located near Trafalgar Square without any hassle.

Tickets start from £25 and are available at SeatPlan and LOVETheatre.

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2025-05-23 16:05