Woman in Mind

Enjoy the return of Woman in Mind by playwright Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Michael Longhurst at the Duke of York's Theatre. Premiered in 1985, the play stars Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith alongside comedian Romesh Ranganathan.

What is the plot of Woman in Mind?

Meet Susan, a bored and unhappy wife of a vicar who is indifferent towards her. Her daughter does not speak to her, and her sister-in-law isn’t earning her keep and depends fully on the family.

Susan sustains a bump to the head and starts to imagine a perfect life in which she is happy and successful, and her family loves her. After a while she is unable to tell the difference between what is real and what is imagined.

Filled with humour, the play explores themes of identity, family and mental escapes within this psychological drama.

Why you should see Woman in Mind at Duke of York Theatre

The play is dark and funny, a timeless tale of frustrating family dynamics.

What to expect:

• A great cast including Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan
• A timeless gem, running for 40 years
• An evening of hilarious entertainment

Who stars in Woman in Mind?

Actress Sheridan Smith is taking on the role of Susan, best known for playing Emma Kavanagh in The Royle Family. And the comedian Romesh Ranganathan is taking on the role of Bill as his West End debut.

They are joined on stage by Louise Brealey (Sherlock, A Discovery of Witches) as Muriel, Tim McMullan (Magpie Murders) as Gerald, Sule Rimi (the Purists) as Andy, Chris Jenks (Sex Education) as Tony, Safia Oakley-Green (Out of Darkness) as Lucy, Taylor Uttley (Beyond Paradise) as Rick as well as Katie Buchholz (Leaves of Glass) and Michael Woolfitt (Cathrine called Birdy).

Book Woman in Mind tickets

Book your Woman in Mind play tickets via the booking button on this page.

Pick your seats, check prices, and get ready for one of the most anticipated West End shows of the year.

The revival starts its run from 9 December 2025.

What time is the evening show?

Woman in Mind is showing Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm.

When are the matinee performances?

Matinee performances are scheduled to take place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm.

What is the running time of Woman in Mind?

The running time for Woman in Mind is yet to be confirmed.

What is the age limit for Woman in Mind?

The play is recommended for anyone aged 12 and over.

Duke of York Theatre – venue details

Woman in Mind is showing at the Duke of York Theatre, on Saint Martin’s Lane.

How to get there:

• Underground – The nearest Tube stations are Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines).
• Bus – You can catch the following buses which stop nearby on Leicester Square (Stop J): 24, 29, 176, N5, N20, N29 and N279.
• Cycling – Rent a Santander Cycles bike and head to William IV Street on the Strand where you will find a docking station. The theatre is just a few minutes’ walk away.

What other shows can I watch in London?

Attend a trial in a London courtroom in true Agatha Christie style with Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall, or head to Wyndham’s Theatre to see All My Sons, a play where past crimes resurface years later, threatening a family suddenly forced to face the consequences of their actions.