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Overview
Synopsis
Young Vivie Warren has lived in England all of her life. She has a very good education, paid for by her mother's work. She barely knows her mother, much less what her mother does for a living. When Mrs. Warren comes to visit, Vivie discovers that Mrs. Warren runs a brothel on the continent. Mrs. Warren wants to develop a relationship with her daughter and give her the benefit of her money. Vivie, on the other hand, decides that the two of them cannot have a relationship. Four men of various age and social standing, provide perspective on the two women. Shaw's play, banned from public performance for years, explores without judgment the choices that Victorian women were forced to make in order to support themselves.
Show Information
- Book
- George Bernard Shaw
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 4
- First Produced
- 1902
- Genres
- Drama, Dark Comedy
- Settings
- Period
- Time & Place
- England, 1902
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Young Adult, Adult Characters
Context
When Mrs Warren’s Profession was completed in 1893, it was considered so scandalous that it was denied a public license by Britain’s Lord Chamberlain, the official theatre censor. Shaw’s frank discussion of prostitution, economic inequality, and women’s limited career options was seen as indecent and morally dangerous for mainstream audiences. The play received its first performance in 1902 in a private members-only staging by the New Stage Club in London, a strategy used to evade censorship
to read the context for Mrs. Warren's Profession and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
In the sleepy Surrey village of Haslemere, Vivie Warren is enjoying a rare break after graduating from Cambridge with honours — no small feat for a woman of her era. Her peace is interrupted by a flurry of arrivals: Praed, a charming architect and art enthusiast who is a friend of her mother’s; Sir George Crofts, an imposing business associate of Mrs. Warren; and Frank Gardner, a breezy young man with a roguish grin and a romantic eye on Vivie. Also drifting into the scene is
to read the plot for Mrs. Warren's Profession and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A British authority that historically censored theatrical productions until 1968, often referenced in historical theatre discussions.
An extended speech delivered by a single character, either to another character or the audience. Monologues are used for character development and to reveal inner thoughts.
Relating to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), which influenced theatrical style, costume, and themes.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher