Christiana Rose on a bold revival of Shaw’s controversial classic at The Garrick Theatre

A stage set at The Garrick Theatre — The set of Mrs Warren’s Profession (Credit – Christiana Rose)

George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs Warren’s Profession makes a triumphant return to the West End at The Garrick Theatre, in a production which is as sharp and unsettling now as it was when it first scandalised Edwardian audiences in 1902.

Directed with intelligence and pace by Dominic Cook (Hello, Dolly!, Good), this revival finds the perfect balance between period authenticity and contemporary bite, drawing out Shaw’s astute commentary on morality, hypocrisy, and the economic realities that shape women’s lives. An ensemble of ten working women of the night cast a shadow over the play, by entering the stage at points, to physically and metaphorically surround the action with their, sacrifice, memory and unforgotten contribution.

Imelda Staunton is unsurprisingly magnificent in the title role. With her trademark blend of steely authority and subtle vulnerability, she commands the stage from her first entrance, revealing Mrs Warren as both a shrewd businesswoman and a mother intent on claiming her relationship with her daughter. Staunton’s performance is by turns ferocious and heartbreakingly fragile, by making clear to Vivie that her actions and need come from a lifetime of surviving in a world stacked against the success of women.

Bessie Carter as Vivie, is dignified, uncompromising, celebratory in her education and modern-minded, determined to carve her own path. The scenes between Staunton and Carter are spellbinding, crackling with tension and shifting power dynamics; with their final confrontation especially riveting, layered and powerful.

Visually, the production is elegant with a beautiful floral revolving set, setting the tone with a nod to external appearances. The costume design has been created with beautiful Victorian respectability, stunningly striking and elegant. The direction is excellent, taut and uncluttered, allowing Shaw’s dialogue to shine and the cast’s performances to resonate.

Mrs Warren’s Profession is faithful to its period yet alive with contemporary urgency. With Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter delivering two of the year’s standout performances, The Garrick’s must-see revival is compelling, thought-provoking, impeccably staged, and deeply engaging.

5 stars.

Mrs Warren’s Profession runs at The Garrick Theatre runs from 10 May – 16 August 2025

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