National Theatre Live: Mrs. Warren's Profession

In the National Theatre’s 2025 production of Mrs. Warren’s Profession, the title character Mrs. Kitty Warren is portrayed by Imelda Staunton. She is the central figure in George Bernard Shaw’s 1893 problem play, a former prostitute and the successful proprietor of a chain of brothels Wikipedia.

The play explores her justification of her career to her intelligent, independent daughter, Vivie Warren, played by Bessie Carter. Mrs. Warren explains that she entered prostitution out of economic necessity after a destitute childhood, eventually saving enough to buy into and run a business in the sex trade Wikipedia. The story critiques Victorian-era hypocrisy, limited employment opportunities for women, and the moral double standards of the time.