Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan discuss their stage venture and mental health at Woman in Mind opening night

Last night, WhatsOnStage attended the first official West End opening night of the year, welcoming WhatsOnStage Award winner Sheridan Smith back to the boards and marking the professional stage debut of one Romesh Ranganathan.

The pair are starring in Michael Longhurst’s revival of Alan Ayckbourn’s psychological tragicomedy, Woman in Mind, and we caught up with them at the show’s afterparty to get their thoughts on the play’s depiction of mental health, whether the role of Susan has taken its toll on Smith personally and if Ranganathan had to audition for his part.

You can watch the full highlights below:

The cast also includes Louise Brealey as Muriel, Tim McMullan as Gerald, Sule Rimi as Andy, Chris Jenks as Tony, Safia Oakley-Green as Lucy and Taylor Uttley as Rick, alongside Katie Buchholz and Michael Woolfitt.

Woman in Mind follows Susan, who, when she sustains a bump to the head, her world splits in two – one mundane, one imagined – and the lines begin to blur.

The production features set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Paul Arditti and casting by Jim Carnahan and Liz Fraser. Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions are producers.

The play runs at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London until 28 February 2026. After that, it’ll visit Sunderland Empire from 4 to 7 March and Theatre Royal Glasgow from 10 to 14 March 2026. Tickets are on sale now.