Alan Aykbourn’s classic Woman in Mind is coming to the Duke of York Theatre this December, with Sheridan Smith starring in the lead role as Susan.
Premiering in 1985, Woman in Mind follows Susan, a woman whose ordinary life begins to fracture as her imagination blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Told uniquely through her perspective, the play explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the search for meaning within domestic life. With its dark humour, emotional depth, and innovative narrative style, Woman in Mind remains one of Ayckbourn’s most powerful and affecting plays, offering audiences a deeply human story without revealing its many twists.
The play first debuted in the Stephen Joseph Theatre in the Round, which ended up receiving mixed reviews due to the play’s dark nature. This will be the first time this play has made it to the stage since 2008-2009 when the play was revived at the same theatre that it debuted at.
Sheridan Smith is back on the West End stage after most recently performing as Myrtle in the world premiere of John Cassavetes’ Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre. Smith is an award-winning and well-seasoned performer and has had starring roles in numerous productions over the years, most notably including Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.
This new production of Woman in Mind marks an exciting milestone in her career, as it will be Smith’s first time performing in an Alan Ayckbournian play.
This production is directed by former Donmar Warehouse artistic director Michael Longhurst (Next to Normal) and produced by Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions.
The production will be running at The Duke of York’s Theatre from 9 December 2025 until Saturday 28 February 2026 with following runs taking place at the Sunderland Empire from 4-7 March 2026 and at the Theatre Royal Glasgow from 10-14 March 2026.
To purchase tickets, go to The Duke of York’s Theatre website.
Words by Gemma McDonald
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