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Blythe & Johnson Join Blethyn in Hall Profession

Stage stalwarts Peter Blythe and Richard Johnson will join British screen actress Brenda Blethyn when she makes a rare West End appearance next month in Peter Hall's centennial production of George Bernard Shaw's Mrs Warren's Profession. The revival opens at the Strand Theatre for a limited season from 10 October 2002, following previews from 2 October (See News, 12 Jul 02).

As a former member of Peter Hall's West End repertory company, Blythe has worked regularly with the director, most recently in last year's star-studded production of The Royal Family with Judi Dench. His other recent stage credits include Hay Fever, Amadeus, Hedda Gabler and The Hot House, while on screen, he's appeared in The Luzhin Defense, Carrington, The Falklands Play, Dalziel and Pascoe and Rumpole.

Richard Johnson's recent West End credits include Tales from Hollywood, The Seagull, Plenty, Uncle Vanya, The Rivals and An Inspector Calls. Amongst his television and film credits are Tomb Raider, Breaking the Code and The Camomile Lawn.

Written in 1894 but not performed until 1902, Mrs Warren's Profession is one of Shaw's most provocative plays. In it, serious-minded Cambridge graduate Vivie Warren discovers how her mother turned to prostitution to fund their family's comfortable lifestyle. Mrs Warren's continued involvement in the world's oldest profession sets the pair at odds.

Also in the cast are Rebecca Hall, Laurence Fox and James Saxon. The production is designed by John Gunter, with lighting by Peter Mumford. It is co-produced by Theatre Royal Haymarket and Stanhope Productions.

- by Terri Paddock

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