Theatre

Mrs Warren’s Profession by Bernard Shaw directed by Jonas Cemm

Stage manager: Greg Williams

Cast

Vivie Warren: Bethany Blake

Kitty Warren: Laura Fitzpatrick

Frank Gardner:  Joe Sargent

Sir George Crofts:  Jonas Cemm

Praed: Karl Moffatt

Reverend Sam Gardner: Anthony Wise

Mrs. Warren’s Profession follows the story of Vivie Warren, who discovers that her mother, Mrs. Warren, has made her living in the world’s oldest profession to provide for Vivie’s life of luxury and education. As Vivie grapples with this revelation, she confronts her mother about their differing values, their conflicting views on femininity, independence, and societal expectations.

Mrs Warren’s Profession is a provocative play by the renowned Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. Premiered in 1893, but banned for its controversial subject matter, the play challenges the prevailing moral attitudes of its time and the economic constraints faced by women in the Victorian era. Shaw’s witty observations and biting social commentary make Mrs Warren’s Profession a thought-provoking classic that was decades ahead of its time.

SHAW2020 deliver a fresh perspective to this work, setting the action in the 1930’s, an era when women’s continued struggles against a patriarchal society was offset by a sense of twentieth century empowerment on the horizon.

This production was sponsored by the Shaw Society, a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting the legacy and appreciation of George Bernard Shaw’s contributions to literature and theatre. The collaboration between SHAW2020 and the Shaw Society underscores their commitment to keeping Shaw’s legacy alive, engaging modern audiences with the enduring themes embedded in his work.

Kitty Warren is sensitively played by Laura Fitzpatrick… Bethany Blake gives a strong performance as daughter Vivie… A play supposedly about sexual morality becomes one about poverty and the lack of opportunity of work for women… This is a strong cast which kept the audience’s attention in a welcome outing for a little-performed play.’ ★★★★ Plays to See

‘George Bernard Shaw wasn’t afraid of challenging the audience and broaching serious subjects – especially the way money and class plays a big part in the dynamics between men and women. In Mrs Warren’s Profession (which is directed by Jonas Cemm), what starts as a comedy of sorts evolves into an in-depth exploration of the relationship between commerce, the ‘real’ choice available to women and whether ‘morality’ is a luxury for the destitute.’ ★★★★ Breaking the Fourth Wall

‘this cast successfully navigates the shifts between the play’s witty humour and its darker ethical questions, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable show… An enjoyable production of a classic, with chic 1930’s costumes and lots of laughs alongside Shaw’s deeper moral questions.’ A Youngh(ish Perspective