Sheridan Smith to Lead Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind at the Duke of York’s Theatre
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**Sheridan Smith** will return to the West End this winter in a major new production of **Alan Ayckbour**n’s *Woman in Mind*. Directed by **Michael Longhurst**, the play opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 9 December 2025, running until 28 February 2026, before heading on tour.
**Ayckbourn**’s groundbreaking psychological comedy follows Susan, who suffers a bump to the head and suddenly finds herself living in two overlapping worlds—one ordinary, the other imagined. As reality and fantasy collide, the play offers a witty yet unsettling look at identity, family, and the need for escape.
**Smith**, one of Britain’s most celebrated stage and screen actors, returns to the Duke of York’s following her acclaimed run in *Shirley Valentine*. Her extensive West End credits include Olivier Award-winning turns in *Legally Blonde* and *Flare Path*, as well as memorable performances in *Funny Girl*, *Little Shop of Horrors* and *Hedda Gabler*. On screen, she has won a BAFTA for *Mrs Biggs*, received Emmy nominations for *Cilla* and *The C Word*, and recently starred in *The Railway Children Return* and ITV’s *I Fought the Law*.
The creative team for *Woman in Mind* includes designer **Soutra Gilmour**, lighting by **Lee Curran**, sound by **Paul Arditti**, and casting by **Jim Carnahan CSA** and **Liz Fraser CSA**. Further casting will be announced shortly.
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