Review: MRS WARREN’S PROFESSION, Malvern Theatres - Tour

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

Written by George Bernard Shaw in 1894, Mrs Warren’s Profession was banned for thirty years as its content thought to be “immoral and improper”. However, that same content feels more relevant today and begs the question “have societies attitudes really changed that much in the last hundred years?”

Mrs Warren’s daughter, Vivie, doesn’t really know that much about her mother, having been brought up by a nanny, then sent to boarding school and then Cambridge. She has a generous monthly allowance and ambitions on a career in Law, but where exactly did her mother’s self-made fortune actually come from? What is Mrs Warren’s profession? How will Vivie react when she discovers the truth about her mother’s business empire?

Kitty and Vivie Warren are played by real life mother and daughter, Caroline and Rose Quentin. Kitty has her public persona and then relents to her true roots whilst telling her daughter the truth about her ‘business’. Vivie is the confident, carefree young woman, the world of opportunity ahead of her and an ambition to match. 

Their relationship is evident as you would expect, but their strength apparent as they show they are both as stubborn as each other, reflecting the affectionate traits that their characters share, particularly in their shared scenes and both are a delight to watch.

Matthew Cottle as Reverend Sam Gardner is the element of comic relief in what is a typically wordy Shaw script. His horror that Mrs Warren may spill some secrets of his misspent youth and the realisation that no one knows who Vivie’s father is, a witty sub context to his dilemma.

Shaw’s metaphor of prostitution is an important nod to the corruption of society that is relatable even though we are in 1920’s Surrey.

The set design is extraordinary. David Woodhead has created the most delightful little cottage, with emphasis on the little (it’s quite amusing to see four adults struggling to fit inside what is initially a wooden Wendy house), an idyllic country church and a smart London office.

It’s a pleasant evening of satirical charade’s that has worn well in the hundred years since it was written.

A droll example of societies flaws.

**** Four stars

Written by: Rachel Louise Martin

Mrs Warren’s Profession plays at Malvern Theatres until 15 April, with further information here.