Imelda Staunton returns to the stage, less than a year after her role as the exuberant matchmaker in Dominic Cooke’s revival of Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium. This time, she collaborates again with Cooke at the Garrick Theatre, portraying a character who navigates a more questionable profession.

George Bernard Shaw’s play focuses on Kitty Warren, a brothel keeper who attempts to forge a relationship with her independent daughter. The original production stirred controversy upon its release, as Shaw’s perspective on sex as a business challenged the moral standards of his era. It took three decades following its creation before the play was publicly performed in London in 1925.

The current challenge lies in making this historical narrative resonate with modern audiences. Shaw’s dialogue often feels didactic, resembling formal debates found at the Oxford Union, and this dense exchange can feel overwhelming. Even with Cooke’s efforts to streamline the text, the essence of Shaw’s imposing voice remains pervasive.

Staunton, despite her remarkable talent, faces the difficulty of stepping out from Shaw’s considerable shadow. A compelling dynamic with her real-life daughter, Bessie Carter, adds an intriguing layer to the performance. Carter, known for her standout role in the National Theatre’s production of Dodie Smith’s Dear Octopus, brings a strong portrayal of Vivie, a bright young woman gradually uncovering the origins of her privileged life.

In his introduction, Cooke likens the play’s structure—performed here without an intermission—to a Greek tragedy. Much of the staging occurs on Chloe Lamford’s stylized podium adorned with flowers, while a silent chorus of young women in undergarments marks scene transitions by interacting with the floral decor.

While the symbolism can feel overly deliberate, aside from Robert Glenister’s depiction of the crude businessman Sir George Crofts, the male characters surrounding Kitty and Vivie appear as a neatly arranged set of viewpoints. The rare moments when Kitty’s voice breaks reveal the effort she has invested in her rise. Nonetheless, genuine emotional turmoil only emerges during her climactic confrontation with Vivie.

★★★☆☆
105 minutes
To Aug 16