Dame Imelda Staunton and her daughter Bessie Carter are to star opposite one another in a West End play. Bridgerton actor Bessie, 31, the only child of the Olivier award-winning star and Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter, will play Cambridge graduate Vivie in the revival of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs Warren’s Profession.
The comical drama, written in the 1890s, about a woman who learns her mother Kitty (played by Dame Imelda) has earned her fortune from running brothels, was banned prior to its first public performance in 1902.
Veteran theatre star Dame Imelda, who played Queen Elizabeth II in series five and six of The Crown and Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films, said doing the play is a “treat”.
“The new year felt like the perfect time to return to the stage in Mrs Warren’s Profession, a play which asks ever-pertinent questions about the role of women in society, and the choices they make for survival,” she said.
“I couldn’t be happier to be stepping into the rehearsal room with my very great friend and colleague Dominic; and my brilliant daughter Bessie. What a treat for 2025.”
Director Dominic Cooke commented: “Although Mrs Warren’s Profession is over 120 years old, it still has the power to shock with its frank and provocative examination of the exploitative nature of society and the double standards applied to women.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Imelda Staunton on Follies and Hello, Dolly! and I’m thrilled to collaborate with her for the first time on a play, especially alongside the super-talented Bessie Carter.
“Additionally, I’m excited to reunite with (producer) Sonia Friedman after 15 years. I can’t wait to bring this remarkable play and brilliant cast to London audiences in the spring.”
Dame Imelda Staunton with her husband Jim Carter and daughter Bessie Carter at Windsor Castle
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Production opening date set
Dame Imelda’s first Olivier award came in 1985 for her supporting roles in A Chorus Of Disapproval and The Corn Is Green, and was followed by an award for Into The Woods in 1991.
In 2013, she won best actress in a musical gong for her role in Sweeney Todd and in 2016, she won in the same category for her role as Mama Rose in Gypsy.
In 2024, Dame Imelda received a damehood in the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to drama and charity.
Her daughter Bessie has starred in plays including Dear Octopus at the National Theatre and King Lear at The Old Vic, but is most known for playing Prudence Featherington in the hit Netflix Regency-inspired drama Bridgerton.
The production will open at the Garrick Theatre on May 22, with previews from May 10, and will run until August 16.
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