ABOUT THE PLAY

 

Brenda Blethyn makes a hugely welcome return to the West End stage to play the title role in the centennial production of Bernard Shaw’s MRS WARREN’S PROFESSION, directed by Peter Hall. Brenda Blethyn has immense theatre experience but is perhaps best known for her award-winning film work including Mike Leigh’s SECRETS AND LIES, the hilarious British comedy SAVING GRACE and most recently the U.S. hit AMAZING AND LOVELY. Brenda Blethyn is joined by a top-quality cast in Shaw’s brilliantly provocative and superbly witty comedy.  Controversial in its time, this is now acknowledged as a true classic.

 

 

CAST & CREATIVE

 

Mr Praed - Peter Blythe

Vivie Warren - Rebecca Hall

Mrs Warren - Brenda Blethyn

Sir George Crofts - Richard Johnson

Frank Gardner - Laurence Fox

The Rev. Samuel Gardner - James Saxon

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Author - George Bernard Shaw

Director - Peter Hall

Designer - John Gunter

Lighting - Hartley T A Kemp

 

QUOTES & REVIEWS

 

BERNARD SHAW’s play has lost none of

its power, wit or wisdom   Daily Mail

 

Brenda Blethyn is a STUNNING

Mrs Warren in PETER HALL’S excellent revival Guardian

 

Brenda Blethyn is superb…I’ve seen few stage debuts as accomplished as Rebecca Hall’s, extraordinary talent, poise and assurance; she is brilliantly cast as Vivie…Sir Peter Hall directs this admirable, intelligent production…Laurence Fox is splendid with immaculate comic timing Mail on Sunday – Georgina Brown

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Rebecca Hall is EXTRAORDINARY   Mail on Sunday

 

Blethyn is excellent Metro

 

FINE PERFORMANCES a spot on production   Daily Telegraph

 

Peter Hall’s revival is full of crackling dramatic energy and fine performances…The production is spot on, especially in the terrific double act between Brenda Blethyn in the title role and Rebecca Hall as Vivie…There is a warmth, sensuality and emotional vulnerability about her [Rebecca Hall] performance…One hundred years after it’s first performance, this is one Shaw play that has triumphantly stood the test of time The Daily Telegraph – Charles Spencer

 

Miss Blethyn is a comic pleasure as Mrs Warren   The Evening Standard

 

Shaw reminds us of his capacity to write drama which is socialist, subversive and funny all at the same time   Guardian

 

Rebecca Hall makes an accomplished stage debut with the promise of a big future   Observer

 

Sir Peter Hall’s production is one of his best, beautifully designed by John Gunter… Brilliant Brenda Blethyn…Crofts is definitively played by Richard Johnson…Two debuts announce new talents: Laurence Fox as a perfect gangly silly ass, and Rebecca Hall as a spirited Vivie Warren Daily Mail – Michael Coveney

 

Dazzling…Brenda Blethyn – one of our finest performers…A first class play with top notch performances The Daily Mirror