Mrs. Warren's Profession
by George B Shaw
BBC Radio 3: Drama on 3
Broadcast: Sunday 6th August 2006 @ 5:40 p.m.
The issue of Victorian prostitution and double standards are examined in dramatic form as Mrs Warren reveals to her daughter the
source of her income and admits her daughter's own parentage.
Having completed her studies at Cambridge, Vivie Warren intends to become a lawyer. She has two suitors, Frank Gardiner, the son of
the local rector and an older man-about-town, Sir George Croft. She is shocked when her mother reveals that the source of the family
income is from European brothels, and that Croft is involved in the business. Vivie rejects Croft, who reveals that she cannot marry Frank
Gardiner because he is her half-brother. Vivie rejects her mother and pursues an independent life.
This is an important play - effectively banned by the Royal Chamberlain for 30 years because of its subject matter. It still raises issues
of morality and fair trade, as well as the role of women in the workplace.
Adapted by John Tydeman from George Bernard Shaw's 1893 play, "Mrs. Warren's Profession".
With Diana Quick [Mrs. Warren], Claire Skinner [Vivie Warren, Mrs. Warren's Daughter], Scott Handy [Frank Gardner], Geoffrey
Whitehead [Sir George Croft], John Rowe [Praed], and Roger Hammond [The Reverend Samuel Gardner].
Directed by John Tydeman
Produced by Nicolas Soames
110 min.
Jim
