Mrs. Warren’s Profession, with Imelda Staunton, at Garrick Theatre Londres
- GutBer English
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
“I am my mother’s daughter. I am like you. But my work is not your work, and my way is not your way.”
Written by George Bernard Shaw in 1893, Mrs. Warren's Profession didn't make it to the stage until almost ten years later, when it was finally performed in London in 1902. It is part of his Unpleasant Plays, along with The Philanderer and Widowers' Houses. Based on an earlier novel of his, in which a boxer is forced into his profession by economic necessity, in this case Mrs. Warren explains to her daughter, a young adult whom she has kept away from her reality until now, how, thanks to her profession as a prostitute, she has been able to give her an education, social position, and opportunities in life that she hasn't had. Like the boxer, Mrs. Warren had no other choice, and she doesn't feel ashamed of this; rather, society should provide other means of survival so that a woman, like the boxer, doesn't have to resort to these methods of survival.
Dealing with a topic that seems to have lost no relevance over time, this production closes on Saturday 16 August 2025 at London's Garrick Theatre. Faithful to the text in its representation of the topic and in the Victorian fin-de-siècle costumes, the play explores the limitations a woman faces professionally. The set initially shows us an idyllic garden where the young Miss Warren, a woman of great scientific ability and devoted to study and work, eager to embark on her professional adventure as a scientist breaking away from the conventions of her time, lives in complete and blissful ignorance of the reality that her mother has always hidden from her.
As we accompany the young woman on her journey to discover her mother's true occupation, the garden gradually shrinks, cleared away by a group of lingerie-clad prostitutes who, silently and with sidelong glances, remove its components until it disappears completely, transforming it into a cold, interior office where young Miss Warren works. On this journey of personal discovery, young Miss Warren will have to position herself in relation to her relationship with her mother, with the other characters, and with her own reality as a woman in the working world of her time.
The cast, led by Imelda Staunton, includes her daughter, Bessie Carter. Both portray their characters with complete credibility and ease, bringing dignity and naturalness to their performances. The other cast members are equally impressive: Robert Glenister, who gives us Sir Crofts, the perfect representative of the businessman who believes everything is a matter of economic value, and a wonderful Kevin Doyle, who portrays the hypocrisy of society. Reuben Joseph and Sid Sagar also counterpoint each other in the new generations, who seem to somehow perpetuate the social status quo.
As a revolutionary rebel ahead of his time, Shaw raised relevant questions about social inequalities more than a hundred years ago, which remain relevant today and can be extrapolated to the different situations we see around us. In this production, the play continues to raise questions, leaving the audience to decide their own reading and interpretation, although it remains a call for equal opportunities for all, or at least a criticism of the real inequality that limits the possibilities for individual growth as well as their positive contribution to the common good.
Mrs. Warren's Profession can be seen at the Garrick Theatre London until Saturday 16 August 2025 with tickets from £25.
Starting 23 October, National Theatre Live will broadcast the recording of the play in cinemas around the world. It will likely soon also be available on National Theatre at Home, the app that allows you to stream many of the English National Theatre's plays from the comfort of your home.
We attended the performance of Mrs. Warren's Profession with Imelda Staunton on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Garrick Theatre, London.
Cast - Source Garrick Theatre
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