Preview: Woman in Mind at Sunderland Empire

Sheridan Smith and Romesh Ranganathan Star in Woman in Mind at Sunderland Empire

Woman in Mind
Sunderland Empire

Wednesday 4 – Saturday 7 March 2026

Alan Ayckbourn's psychological comedy comes to the North East in exclusive limited run

Romesh Ranganathan (Bill) and Sheridan Smith (Susan).
Photo: Marc Brenner

First look production images have been unveiled for Alan Ayckbourn's acclaimed psychological comedy Woman in Mind, featuring powerhouse performances from Sheridan Smith and comedian Romesh Ranganathan in his West End stage debut. The production is set to captivate audiences at Sunderland Empire from 4-7 March 2026, making it one of only two UK venues to host this limited run outside London's West End.

Sheridan Smith (Susan).
Photo: Marc Brenner

Smith takes on the challenging role of Susan, a woman whose reality fractures following a head injury, whilst Ranganathan plays Bill in what marks a significant theatrical milestone for the beloved comedian. The stellar ensemble cast 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, with Katie Buchholz and Michael Woolfitt completing the company.

Romesh Ranganathan (Bill).
Photo: Marc Brenner

Under the direction of Michael Longhurst, this spellbinding revival breathes new life into Ayckbourn's groundbreaking exploration of one woman's fragmented psyche. The play follows Susan as her world splits into two distinct realities—one mundane, one imagined—with the boundaries between them growing increasingly blurred. What emerges is a gripping examination of identity, family dynamics, and the human impulse to escape into fantasy when reality becomes unbearable.

The production boasts an impressive creative team, with set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Lee Curran, and sound design by Paul Arditti. Casting is by Jim Carnahan CSA and Liz Fraser CSA.

Romesh Ranganathan (Bill), Tim McMullan (Gerald) and Sheridan Smith (Susan).
Photo: Marc Brenner

Ayckbourn's Woman in Mind, first premiered in 1985, remains one of the playwright's most innovative and emotionally complex works. Blending comedy with psychological depth, the piece offers audiences both heart and humour whilst never shying away from darker themes of isolation and mental fragility.

Theatre-goers in the North East have a rare opportunity to experience this acclaimed production without travelling to London. With only a four-day run at Sunderland Empire, tickets are expected to be in high demand.

Tickets: 

Available now at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland
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