Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter to star in 'Mrs. Warren’s Profession' in the West End

Imelda Staunton reunites with director Dominic Cooke for Mrs. Warren’s Profession, following their previous collaborations on Hello, Dolly! in 2024 and Follies.

Real-life mother and daughter Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter will appear onstage together for the first time in a new production of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession. The show opens at the Garrick Theatre on 10 May.

Four-time Olivier Award winner Staunton (The Crown) will play wealthy brothel owner Mrs Kitty Warren, while Carter (Bridgerton) will play her disapproving daughter Vivie, a determined young woman hoping to break free from patriarchy even though her mother's considerable wealth has paid for her education.

Staunton reunites with director Dominic Cooke for the play, following their previous collaborations on the London Palladium summer musical Hello, Dolly! in 2024 and Follies.

Imelda Staunton said, “The new year felt like the perfect time to return to the stage in Mrs. Warren’s Profession, a play which asks ever pertinent questions about the role of women in society, and the choices they make for survival. I couldn’t be happier to be stepping into the rehearsal room with my very great friend and colleague Dominic; and my brilliant daughter Bessie. What a treat for 2025!”

Dominic Cooke added, “Although Mrs. Warren's Profession is over 120 years old, it still has the power to shock with its frank and provocative examination of the exploitative nature of society and the double standards applied to women. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Imelda Staunton on Follies and Hello, Dolly! and I’m thrilled to collaborate with her for the first time on a play, especially alongside the super talented Bessie Carter. Additionally, I’m excited to reunite with Sonia Friedman after fifteen years. I can’t wait to bring this remarkable play and brilliant cast to London audiences in the spring.”

Check back for Mrs. Warren’s Profession tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter. (Photos courtesy of production)