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Woman in Mind Tickets
Sheridan Smith stars in Alan Ayckbourn's darkly comic psychological drama
About Woman in Mind
Sheridan Smith makes her West End return in Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind, a sharp psychological drama directed by Michael Longhurst. After a blow to the head, Susan finds herself slipping between two versions of her life: the dull reality of strained family ties and a dazzling fantasy of perfection. As the two worlds overlap, cracks widen and truths surface, creating a tense, unsettling portrait of identity, longing, and mental collapse.
The Story Unfolds: Origins and Evolution
Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind debuted in 1985 and quickly earned acclaim as one of his boldest and most personal plays. At its centre is Susan, a middle-aged woman who, after a knock to the head, begins to slip between two parallel versions of her life. In one, she feels ignored and unfulfilled; in the other, she is cherished and adored. As the imagined world grows brighter, the reality becomes darker, until the two collide in devastating fashion.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Spectacle
This revival is led by acclaimed director Michael Longhurst, with two-time Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith taking on the demanding role of Susan. The staging reflects Susan’s fractured perspective, shifting between the everyday and the dreamlike, often in a single breath. The role’s intensity and the play’s daring structure have made Woman in Mind a landmark in Ayckbourn’s career and a favourite for actors of the highest calibre.
Keep in Mind
Woman in Mind offers a rare blend of psychological insight and theatrical invention. Susan’s story is unsettling, moving, and impossible to forget. Secure your tickets to witness Sheridan Smith’s return to the stage in this extraordinary revival.
