Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Woman in Mind: A Dark Comedy Revival
A play called 'Woman in Mind' by Alan Ayckbourn is being performed again in London.
It's about a housewife named Susan who starts imagining a better family after hitting her head.
The play mixes funny and scary parts, showing how her mind creates a different world.
Some people think it's a great show with good acting, while others feel it's more about clever ideas than deep feelings.
The play is being directed by Michael Longhurst and stars Sheridan Smith as Susan.
It's being shown at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London.
Alan Ayckbourn's 1985 play 'Woman in Mind' is being revived at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London.
Sheridan Smith stars as Susan, a housewife who hallucinates a better family after a head injury.
The play blends comedy and horror, exploring psychiatric breakdown and suburban life.
Critics praise the acting and direction but debate the play's depth and emotional impact.
The production features a striking set design and a partial safety curtain to divide Susan's two worlds.
- Who
- Alan Ayckbourn (playwright), Sheridan Smith (lead actress), Michael Longhurst (director)
- What
- Revival of the play 'Woman in Mind'
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Duke of York’s Theatre, London
- Why
- To explore themes of psychiatric breakdown and suburban life through comedy and horror
- Playwright
- Alan Ayckbourn
- Original Year
- 1985
- Lead Actress
- Sheridan Smith
- Director
- Michael Longhurst
- Theatre
- Duke of York’s Theatre, London