Dominic Cooke’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s play feels a little sedate but features strong performances.
This production of Mrs Warren’s Profession brilliantly highlights the complexities of a mother and daughter’s relationship thanks to their differing outlook in life and there is certainly a sensitivity to the way in which the story unfolds – but it feels a little too sedate.
George Bernard Shaw’s play focuses on the mother and daughter relationship of Kitty, a woman who has had successful career and now a string of brothels to her name and Vivie a very forward for her time young woman keen to make her way in the legal profession. However, Evie is not aware of her estranged mother’s profession and secrets have a way of making an explosive entrance as seen here.
Dominic Cooke’s production is very faithful to the Victorian setting of the play and it all unfolds in a gentle style that even the arguments while passionately performed (Cooke really draws out the performances of the cast effectively). The production also manages to highlight the fight that both Kitty and Vivie have had in their own way to make their way in the world as women. It hints of the themes of capitalism and exploitation – highlighted most powerfully as Vivie confronts the arrogant Sir George Croft’s outlook to women and life – but could have been explored in slightly more depth. It just feels a little too quiet and lacking in the punch that you would expect.
But it has to be said that it is beautifully and charmingly staged, thanks to Chloe Lamford’s gorgeous nature inspired set with its black background that subtly changes thanks to the ghostly figures who shimmer around on the outskirts of the stage (their purpose isn’t made explicitly clear – but I’m assuming they represent the sex workers who Kitty has been involved with in terms of their career). Lamford’s costume design is wonderfully detailed and lavish.
The performances are very strong – led of course by real life mother and daughter Imelda Staunton as Kitty and Bessie Carter. Staunton is absolutely dignified and formidable as Kitty, delivering her speeches with sharpness and feeling that ensures the audience’s full attention. Carter is equally as fierce and passionate as Vivie, utterly compelling to watch as she struggles to deal with her conflicting feelings towards her mother. Together, their scenes together are raw and heartfelt – their real life relationship really makes a powerful impact in the portrayal of the relationship between Kitty and Vivie. The final moments feel genuinely heartbreaking.
Surrounding them is a strong supporting cast – even if their characters don’t quite feel as well rounded (that is more down to what the script has given them than their performances). Particularly standing out is Robert Glenister as Sir George Crofts who is wonderfully arrogant and subtly sinister as he plays a key role in the way in which things unfold to devastating effect. Reuben Joseph is filled with charming swagger as Frank Gardner, Kevin Doyle brings some lighter moments as the bumbling Reverend Samuel Garner and Sid Sagar as Mr Praed is a nice foil for it all.
Overall, this is a solid production but it feels as though it plays it a little bit safe. It is still worth going to see for the performances which showcases a whole wealth of talent.
By Emma Clarendon
Mrs Warren’s Profession will run at the Garrick Theatre until the 16th August. To book tickets click here.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️