Everyman Theatre production Mrs Warren's Profession Salisbury Playhouse

George Bernard Shaw faced bitter condemnation for this perceptive period play, which was banned by the Lord Chamberlain and was not staged until thirty years after Shaw wrote it in 1894. Even then, New York police stopped a performance in America and arrested the cast.

Michael Rudman directs the superb Everyman Theatre production which is on tour at Salisbury Playhouse until Saturday July 4.

The play centres on Mrs Warren, who has built a successful career in the world's oldest profession rather than the risking the drudgery and danger of factory work. Her eminent success as a prostitute, and a £40,000 investment by Sir George Crofts (Christopher Timothy) enables her to expand her enterprise into Europe, running brothels in several cities. Her spirited, well educated daughter Vivie, who studied maths at Cambridge, has no idea how her mother finances their extravagant lifestyle, and is appalled when she finds out.

This shatters their burgeoning close relationship.

Sue Holderness gives a commanding portrayal of Mrs Warren (Kitty to her friends) but her self assurance almost crumbles when she is faced with her daughter's rejection and refusal to accept any more cheques from the business Emily Woodward portrays Vivie Warren, one of a new generation of independent women who cannot accept a traditional domestic role. She cannot condone her mother's lifestyle, whatever wealth it might offer.

Vivie also despises romance and beauty, despite protestations of Praed (Christopher Bowen) that she should experience Italy. Frank Gardner, played by Ryan Saunders, is a suitor seeking financial security. His father, the Rev Samuel Gardner (Richard Derrington) sowed wild oats with Kitty long ago, and copes ineffectually with conventional commitments. The identity of Vivie's father is never fully established, but her resolve for absolute independence is never in doubt. independent career.

A delightful set, excellent costumes and appropriate incidental music enhance this production.

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