A Revived Masterpiece Stands the Test of Time: Woman in Mind Exposes the Dark Underbelly of Marriage.
In a revival that is both poignant and unsettling, Sheridan Smith shines as Susan, a woman trapped in a life that has lost its way. Though not the first to take on this theme – Shirley Valentine and Myrtle from John Cassavetes' Opening Night come to mind – Smith brings a unique vulnerability to her portrayal, throwing out subtle hints of desperation through mischievous glances and understated expressions.
The play's premise is as darkly comedic as it is surreal. After a head injury with a garden rake, Susan finds solace in an alternate reality where her family appears picture-perfect – the husband who cannot resist her charms, the doting daughter, and even the reclusive son, now under the influence of a cult-like sect. However, this fantasy world soon gives way to something more sinister, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
The production's colorful set design by Soutra Gilmour and video work by Andrzej Goulding add to the dreamlike quality of Susan's world, but it is the cast that truly brings depth to these characters. A standout performance from Romesh Ranganathan as Bill, the anxious doctor, injects much-needed levity into the show's more unsettling moments.
As we navigate the play's tone, which veers wildly between retro comedy and surreal nightmare, one cannot help but be drawn in by its boldness and originality. The result is a production that feels both timeless and timely – a scathing critique of marriage and the desperation that women often find themselves trapped in. It is a searing commentary on the emptiness of domestic life and the ease with which it can descend into madness.
In an age where reality itself seems bleak, Woman in Mind offers a potent reminder that fantasy can be both a coping mechanism and a form of self-deception. It is a message that feels just as relevant today as it did when this play first premiered 40 years ago – a testament to the enduring power of Sheridan Smith's original script.
Woman in Mind remains a must-see production, its dark humor and stunning performances making for an unforgettable viewing experience.
In a revival that is both poignant and unsettling, Sheridan Smith shines as Susan, a woman trapped in a life that has lost its way. Though not the first to take on this theme – Shirley Valentine and Myrtle from John Cassavetes' Opening Night come to mind – Smith brings a unique vulnerability to her portrayal, throwing out subtle hints of desperation through mischievous glances and understated expressions.
The play's premise is as darkly comedic as it is surreal. After a head injury with a garden rake, Susan finds solace in an alternate reality where her family appears picture-perfect – the husband who cannot resist her charms, the doting daughter, and even the reclusive son, now under the influence of a cult-like sect. However, this fantasy world soon gives way to something more sinister, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
The production's colorful set design by Soutra Gilmour and video work by Andrzej Goulding add to the dreamlike quality of Susan's world, but it is the cast that truly brings depth to these characters. A standout performance from Romesh Ranganathan as Bill, the anxious doctor, injects much-needed levity into the show's more unsettling moments.
As we navigate the play's tone, which veers wildly between retro comedy and surreal nightmare, one cannot help but be drawn in by its boldness and originality. The result is a production that feels both timeless and timely – a scathing critique of marriage and the desperation that women often find themselves trapped in. It is a searing commentary on the emptiness of domestic life and the ease with which it can descend into madness.
In an age where reality itself seems bleak, Woman in Mind offers a potent reminder that fantasy can be both a coping mechanism and a form of self-deception. It is a message that feels just as relevant today as it did when this play first premiered 40 years ago – a testament to the enduring power of Sheridan Smith's original script.
Woman in Mind remains a must-see production, its dark humor and stunning performances making for an unforgettable viewing experience.
I just saw this play Woman in Mind and it's giving me CHILLS!!! 
The way the actress portrays Susan as she navigates her messed up marriage is so raw and real it's like you're right there with her 
And that set design? 
Mind blown! Soutra Gilmour outdid herself. I love how the production blends retro comedy with surreal nightmare vibes - it's like a wild ride of emotions 
Romesh Ranganathan as Bill is everything and more, lol 
what I think really stands out here is that this play isn't just a commentary on marriage, but on the desperation women can feel trapped in. It's like, we're still living in a world where women are expected to be perfect wives and mothers, but it's so not real life 
We need more plays like Woman in Mind, you know? 
I'm obsessed with the new production of Woman in Mind! Sheridan Smith is literally giving me all the feels as Susan - her vulnerability and desperation are so relatable. And can we talk about how well the cast is doing? Romesh Ranganathan's performance as Bill had me cracking up, but also got really emotional when he was being anxious 
. The set design and video work are also insane! It's like you're transported into Susan's world of messed-up marriage and cult-like sects 
. Anyways, I'm definitely adding Woman in Mind to my bucket list - it sounds like a must-see for anyone who loves theatre 
.
I remember seeing "The Women" back in '07 with Meg Ryan, but this one takes it to a whole new level! The way the set design blends reality with fantasy is so trippy 
Anyway, I'd totally seen this production 10 times by now, it's just that good! 
(WHO, 2019). And the production's portrayal of Susan's struggles feels eerily relatable 
(YouTube Analytics). The set design by Soutra Gilmour is giving me life, but the stats say that 1 in 5 people experience anxiety or depression each year - we need to talk about mental health 
. The cast is killing it too, with Romesh Ranganathan stealing the show as Bill 
! Trust me, your mind will be blown 
with her portrayal of Susan, I love how she brings this vulnerable energy to the character 
. And can we talk about the set design and video work? Soutra Gilmour and Andrzej Goulding are absolute geniuses 
! The way they blend reality and fantasy is just masterful 
. I'm so hyped for this production, it's a must-see for anyone who loves theatre or just wants to be reminded that they're not alone in their struggles 
.
Anyway, back to this revival... I think the way they've tackled the theme of marriage is really interesting. It feels like a mix of old-school comedy with some darker elements, kinda like The IT Crowd but more serious 
. Romesh Ranganathan's performance as Bill was hilarious! 
But what really got me was how it made me think about my own relationships and how we all pretend to be happy when we're not 
. It's like they say, "behind every great man is a great woman"... or in this case, a great mess of emotions 
.
it's just a commentary on marriage that we've all been over before. And what's with the obsession with how 'bold' and 'original' it is? Can't we just watch the play without having to analyze every aspect of it like it's some kind of art critique? 
.
, and Sheridan Smith's portrayal of Susan is giving me CHILLS 
. Trust me, you need to see this! 
. I love how the play's tone veers between comedy and nightmare - it's like a wild rollercoaster ride, but in the best possible way 
! Sheridan Smith is absolutely captivating as Susan, her vulnerability on full display. The way the play tackles the darker side of marriage is so relatable it's uncomfortable 
. And that set design by Soutra Gilmour? Mind-blowing 
. Romesh Ranganathan as Bill is a game-changer too - his antics had me giggling one minute, cringing the next 
. Trust me, you won't regret it 
. It's like they're holding up a mirror to our society and saying "hey, maybe we should re-examine this whole domestic life thing?" 
it's like a wild ride of emotions and I'm here for it!