Mother-Daughter Duo Bessie Carter and Imelda Staunton Shine in West End Revival of 'Mrs. Warren's Profession'

Published: May 28, 2025

Bessie Carter, 31, and her mother Imelda Staunton, 69, are currently starring in the West End revival of 'Mrs. Warren's Profession', and the mother-daughter duo is making waves in the theater world.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Carter opened up about working with her mother, stating that it's a "comfortable" experience. "There's so much understanding between us," Carter shared. "I feel like there is a comfort in the fact that I'm like, 'Oh, it's mom.' We've always wanted to work together."

The play, which marks Carter's West End debut, explores the complex relationship between a mother-daughter duo as Vivie Warren comes home from college to learn that her mother formerly worked as a prostitute and now runs a string of brothels.

'Mrs. Warren's Profession' is the Perfect Play for the Mother-Daughter Duo

Carter explained that the play is the "perfect" project for them to work together, as they play mother and daughter on stage. "It's a really good play. It was written in the 1800s, which we are making snappy and sharp with a very modern lens. But you hear it and you think it's written now. It's shockingly modern."

Staunton has earned five Olivier Awards throughout her professional theater career, including her roles in the Harry Potter' film series, 'Downton Abbey', and 'The Crown'. Carter, on the other hand, has appeared in TV shows such as 'Bridgerton' and 'I Hate Suzie', as well as stage productions of 'King Lear', 'All My Sons', and 'Dear Octopus'.

Staunton shares her daughter with husband Jim Carter, also an actor, since 1983.

Tickets for 'Mrs. Warren's Profession' are now on sale.