Kevin Doyle, Robert Glenister, Reuben Joseph and Sid Sagar complete the cast of Mrs Warren’s Profession, which begins previews at the Garrick Theatre on May 10.
Mother-and-daughter Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter lead the show, which is based on George Bernard Shaw’s script and directed by Dominic Cooke.
Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Estranged from her wealthy mother, she delights in a glass of whisky, a good detective story, and is determined to carve herself a sparkling legal career in an age ruled by men.
Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs Warren a fortune and paid for her daughter’s expensive education – but at what cost?
Staunton plays Mrs Kitty Warren, with Carter as Vivie Warren, Doyle as Reverend Samuel Gardner, Glenister as Sir George Crofts, Joseph as Frank Gardner and Sagar as Mr Praed.
The designer is Chloe Lamford, lighting designer is Jon Clark and sound designer is Christopher Shutt, with casting by Amy Ball.
Mrs Warren’s Profession marks the first time Staunton has partnered with her daughter Carter on stage. Staunton also reunited with her Hello, Dolly! director Cooke for this modern interpretation of Shaw’s incendiary moral classic.
The play, written in 1893, was banned by the Lord Chamberlain for 30 years due to its candid discussion of prostitution and wasn’t performed in London until 1925.
From Sonia Friedman Productions, Mrs Warren’s Profession opens at the Garrick Theatre on May 22, with previews from May 10. The strictly limited run will end on August 16.
Tickets: https://nimaxtheatres.com/
Top image: Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter (supplied)