Stage and screen star Sheridan Smith is set to return to the West End this Christmas, in a revival of Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind.
Woman in Mind will play the Duke of York’s Theatre in London from 9 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.
Following the West End, the production will tour in 2026, including Glasgow and Sunderland.
Alan Ayckbourn’s darkly comic masterpiece is a moving and hilarious journey through fantasy and reality, as one woman’s search for happiness takes a startling turn.
This production is directed by former Donmar Warehouse artistic director Michael Longhurst (Next to Normal).
Starring Sheridan Smith
Sheridan Smith will star as Susan in the West End production, with further casting to be announced.
Double Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith is one of Britain’s most-loved actresses. Her last West End role was starring in Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Other West End performances include Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre, Funny Girl and Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium, Flare Path at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, and Into the Woods at the Donmar Warehouse.
On screen, Sheridan is currently starring in I Fought the Law on ITV. She is best known for roles in acclaimed TV series including Cilla, Mrs Biggs, Two Pints of Lager & A Packet of Crisps, The Royle Family, and Gavin and Stacey.
Directed by Michael Longhurst
Woman in Mind will be directed by Michael Longhurst. Michael is an acclaimed director, and former artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse.
His forthcoming projects include Songs for a New World 30th Anniversary Concert in London on 21 September; and Relics at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in June 2026.
Michael’s recent productions include Much Ado About Nothing at the RSC; Olivier Award winner Next to Normal (Donmar Warehouse / West End); and Second Best at Riverside Studios starring Asa Butterfield.
More about Woman in Mind
In Woman in Mind, Susan is a frustrated housewife, married to a dull and detached vicar. One moment she’s in her suburban garden; the next, after a bump on the head, she finds herself swept into a glowing fantasy world of tennis whites, champagne, and unconditional love.
Her “perfect” family live in a stately home, adore her unconditionally, and treat her like royalty. But back in reality, Susan’s real husband condescends, her sister-in-law grates, and her estranged son can barely stand to be near her.
As her fantasy and reality blur, hilarity gives way to heartbreak — and Susan begins to realise she’s losing her grip on both worlds.
Previous productions
Woman in Mind first premiered in 1985 at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, written and directed by Ayckbourn.
The play had its West End premiere in 1986 at the Vaudeville Theatre, starring Julia McKenzie.
Major revivals include a 2008 production starring Janie Dee, and a 2022 production at Chichester Festival Theatre starring Jenna Russell.
Tickets to Woman in Mind
Woman in Mind is playing the Duke of York’s Theatre in London from 9 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.
More about tickets to Woman in Mind at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London
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📷 Main photo: Woman in Mind – Sheridan Smith to star in Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy in the West End
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