Call :phone to book directly from the theatre or Subscribe
Woman in Mind
Two-time Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith makes a triumphant return to the West End in Alan Ayckbourn's darkly comic psychological drama Woman in Mind.
Directed by Michael Longhurst (Constellations, Caroline or Change, and former Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse) this spellbinding revival explores one woman’s fractured reality with heart and humour.
When Susan sustains a bump to the head, her world splits in two—one mundane, one imagined—and the lines begin to blur. Ayckbourn’s groundbreaking play is a gripping exploration of identity, family, and mental escape.
Alongside an exceptional ensemble cast, don't miss your chance to witness one of Britain's most beloved stage and screen performers back at the Duke of York’s Theatre where she performed the sell-out hit Shirley Valentine. This strictly limited engagement begins 9 December before playing at Sunderland Empire and Glasgow Theatre Royal.
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 34 reviews
General:
What to expect
Acting:
Music:
Costumes:
Story:
Lighting:
Recommendations
Anyone:
Families:
Teenagers:
Young Couples:
Theatregoers:
A must see I loved the show, wonderful acting, clever writing, thought provoking it was funny but also dark. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I expected Sheridan Smith to be excellent as I’d seen her as Shirley Valentine on her own at the same theatre but Romesh Ranganathan was also very good as were all the rest of the cast.
Sarah, 21 Feb 2026
A touch of the, “Alice in Wonderland”. Super story, delightful acting from all, and especially Ms Smith.
Emma, 20 Feb 2026
not a must i am not sure the ocncept worked well. not AA best play I found it difficult to figure out what actors actually said at some points in particular the women voices which were shrill at times and not articulated clearly. Not a sound thing nor language issue. I could hear just not follow.
Zippi, 20 Feb 2026
Absolutely fantastic! Wasn’t what’ve was expecting but throughly enjoyed it….huge admiration for Sheridan Smith!
Sarah, 19 Feb 2026
Great night iut We’ve just watched Woman in Mind in the lovely Duke of York Theatre. It starred Sheridan Smith who gives a very powerful performance as Susan who’s decent into madness is both worrying and beautifully performed.
Paul, 18 Feb 2026
Incredible So good. The writing, the performances and the production. Loved it.
Mike, 16 Feb 2026
Absolutely fantastic What a great show from start to finish i highly recommended it
Paul, 15 Feb 2026
Brilliant story and very entertaining Unique story told through fantastic acting and a very clever set design. Loved it!
Hassy, 10 Feb 2026
Sheridanians Love the cast. Sheridan smith one of my favourite actresses. An awesome show.
Natasha, 03 Feb 2026
Ok Sheridan and Romesh excellent acting .
The rest of the cast good. A bizarre story line!
Angela, 13 Jan 2026
Ok but a bit dated… It was great to see Sheridan Smith who was excellent and so was Romesh - in fact all the acting was good but the play was a bit strange….the mental breakdown of Sheridan Smith’s character! It wasn’t awful but I certainly wouldn’t of paid top notch price for that play!
Martin, 12 Jan 2026
the woman in mind the show was excellent
anthony, 25 Dec 2025
Clever Re-staging of Alan Ayckbourn's 1985 Play Entertaining, well-acted re-staging of Ayckbourn's 1985 play about a woman slipping into a parallel world mentally. We can see that her 'real family' are dull & unappreciative, her husband one of those men who is very wrapped up in himself, while her son has run off to join a strange cult.
The play is cleverly staged especially when the 'real' & 'imagined' families interact. It displays the typical Ayckbournian mild mockery of the English middle-classes, but it isn't really a satire.
By modern standards, the play is quite slow & there is too much padding to be ideal for current audiences, but it remains amusing and intriguing. Ayckbourn is certainly a master of theatrical dialogue.
The acting is very competent; Sheridan Smith plays the main role with energy and conviction, while the supporting cast are better than competent, especially her imaginary husband who has good stage presence & clear diction.
Stephen, 23 Dec 2025
Survival of Beautiful Mind it was brilliant show, divided mind and safety in imagination when lonely and misunderstood
Ranka Ana, 20 Dec 2025
