Woman in Mind tickets

Olivier Award-winning Sheridan Smith stars in this smashing revival of Woman in Mind, Alan Ayckbourn’s most unsettling and daringly funny psychological drama, in the West End this winter. Book Woman in Mind tickets on London Theatre.

Woman in Mind in London tells the story of Susan, who seems to be living a rather unremarkable life. But after an accident occurs in her suburban garden involving a rake, her sense of reality becomes distorted. Two worlds collide for Susan: one that is painfully ordinary, filled with neglect and quiet familial disappointments, and the other, which is glamorous and filled with people who love her dearly, despite it being entirely of fantasy.

As Susan drifts further into this false life, the boundaries between reality and stories begin to disappear. What was once a coping mechanism becomes something dangerous, as moments of humour give way to heartbreak. Ayckbourn’s masterful storytelling balances comedy with tension, offering a moving story of a woman who is desperate to be seen by those around her.

This new staging is directed by Michael Longhurst (Constellations, Caroline, or Change), whose work is known for its bold theatrical vision. Smith is also joined by an outstanding cast, including Romesh Ranganathan in his West End debut, alongside Louise Brealey, Tim McMullan, Sule Rimi, Chris Jenks, Safia Oakley-Green, Taylor Uttley, Katie Buchholz, and Michael Woolfitt.

The talented creative team also includes set and costume designer Soutra Gilmour, lighting designer Lee Curran, and sound designer Paul Arditti.

Emotionally devastating, Woman in Mind is a play that explores powerful themes of identity and loneliness, allowing audiences to navigate, in real time, the stories we tell ourselves just to survive. This revival reminds us just how easily our imaginations can become a refuge, and how difficult it may be to return.