Plays

Woman in Mind

Duration

2 hr 30 min

Alan Ayckbourn’s darkly comic play follows a woman whose imagined life collides with reality after a sudden accident.

Alan Ayckbourn’s play centres on a woman whose imagined life competes with reality, using humour and disorientation to examine emotional neglect.

The production stars Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith, supported by an ensemble drawn from stage, television, and contemporary British theater.

Reality and fantasy overlap throughout the play, with scenes deliberately disrupting chronology to mirror the protagonist’s internal experience.

This limited-run play is staged at the historic Duke of York's Theatre, making it a must-see for drama lovers and fans of British theater. Book your Woman in Mind London tickets!

The story

After a minor accident in her garden, Susan begins to experience a parallel world that feels more attentive, loving, and complete than her real life. As conversations overlap and imagined figures begin to intrude, the boundary between what is real and what is invented steadily erodes. Woman in Mind traces Susan’s shifting perspective as humour gives way to unsettling insight, revealing how fragile certainty can be when reality no longer agrees with itself.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Show details

Categories: Play, Classic, Drama, Critics' choice, Stars on stage

Audience Age Limit: Suitable for 12+ yrs

Theater name: Duke of York's Theatre

Find the best seats in the house with the Duke of York's Theatre seating plan

Facilities: Bar, restrooms, cloakroom, lounge

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets, accessible seating, hearing assistance

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Sheridan Smith as Susan, Romesh Ranganathan as Bill, with Louise Brealey, Tim McMullan, Sule Rimi, Chris Jenks, Safia Oakley-Green, Taylor Uttley, Katie Buchholz, and Michael Woolfitt

Director: Michael Longhurst

Playwright: Alan Ayckbourn

Additional info

This show is suitable for ages 12 and above.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.

Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.

Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show

Frequently asked questions about Woman in Mind

Q: How much do Woman in Mind London tickets cost?

A: Prices may change based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is the show playing in London?

A: The show is playing at the Duke of York's Theatre in London.

Q: What’s Woman in Mind about?

A: The play follows Susan, whose reality and fantasy worlds collide after a head injury, leading to a witty and poignant exploration of her mind.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: The show is generally recommended for ages 12 and above due to its themes and content.

Q: Has the show received any awards or critical acclaim?

A: Yes, the play is widely regarded as one of Alan Ayckbourn’s masterpieces and has received critical acclaim for its inventive structure and performances.

Q: Does the play clearly separate reality from fantasy?

A: No. The structure intentionally blurs reality and imagination, mirroring the protagonist’s mental state.

Q: Is the narrative presented in chronological order?

A: The play does not follow a strictly linear timeline. Scenes overlap and interrupt one another to reflect subjective perception.

Q: What are the central themes of Woman in Mind?

A: Key themes include identity, emotional isolation, escapism, mental health, and the consequences of being overlooked within personal relationships.

Q: When was Woman in Mind first performed?

A: The play premiered in the early 1980s and has since been revived multiple times in the UK and internationally.

Q: Is prior familiarity with the play required?

A: No prior knowledge is required. The production is self-contained and accessible to new audiences.

You will receive an email confirming your purchase.

You will receive your e-tickets via email within 3 hours from the time of the booking. You can access your tickets by clicking on the link available on the email.

If you book tickets more than 14 days in advance, you will receive the tickets 14 days prior to the show date.

The ticket can be presented digitally along with a valid photo ID at the entrance on the day of your visit.

Please note most of the theatres do not allow entry post the show start time and we recommend you reach the venue 10-15 minutes early.