Production images have been unveiled today for the highly anticipated West End revival of Alan Ayckbourn’s psychological comedy, Woman in Mind. Currently playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre, the production stars the incomparable Sheridan Smith as Susan, alongside comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who makes his formidable West End stage debut as Bill.
A Fractured Reality
Directed by Michael Longhurst, this "spellbinding" revival breathes new life into Ayckbourn’s 1985 masterpiece. The story follows Susan, a woman trapped in a stifling, mundane marriage. After sustaining a minor bump to the head, her reality undergoes a startling transformation. Susan begins to experience a vivid, idealized "hallucination family" that stands in stark contrast to her dull actual life. As the play progresses, the boundaries between her suburban domesticity and her lush, imagined paradise begin to blur with both heart-wrenching and hilarious consequences.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
While Smith and Ranganathan lead the company, the production boasts a stellar supporting cast:
Louise Brealey as Muriel
Tim McMullan as Gerald
Sule Rimi as Andy
Safia Oakley-Green as Lucy
The creative team features some of the industry's most respected names, including Olivier Award-winning designer Soutra Gilmour (Set and Costume) and Lee Curran (Lighting), who together create the visual distinction between Susan's two worlds.
Strictly Limited Engagement
London audiences have a narrow window to catch this production, as the West End run is strictly limited until Saturday, 28 February 2026. However, the production will not end its journey there. In March, the play will head north for two special regional engagements:
Sunderland Empire: 4 March – 7 March 2026
Theatre Royal, Glasgow: 10 March – 14 March 2026
With its unique blend of Ayckbourn’s signature wit and a deep exploration of mental escape and identity, Woman in Mind is proving to be the season's must-see dramatic comedy.
