In the play, press notes state, "Jessie hasn't got much time; just a single evening to put the house in order before she leaves Mama forever.  Everything is carefully planned - she'll show Mama how to do the washing, how to find the cloths and sponges, where all the electrical equipment is kept - and then she'll go to her room and shoot herself in the head. But Mama's not going to let that happen, not over her dead body."

The original Broadway production in 1983, which transferred from the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, MA, starred Kathy Bates and Anne Pitoniak, both of whom were nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. It was subsequently revived on Broadway in 2004 in a production starring Brenda Blethyn and Edie Falco.

The upcoming production features Sadie Shimmin as Jessie and Pat Starr as Mama. It is directed by Paul Stacey, American Repertory Theatre Dramaturg who is making his UK directorial debut. It is designed by Kat Heath, with lighting by Eoin Furbank.

Shimmin is best known for starring opposite Kenneth Brannagh in the hit BBC-TV series Wallander as Lisa Holgersson. Her most recent theatrical work includes The Rose Tattoo at the National Theatre and A Voyage Round My Father at Donmar Warehouse and in the West End.

Starr’s West End credits include All My Sons and Kennedy’s Children. She has also done a one-woman show Tea with Liszt. 

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 412 4307 or visit www.redliontheatres.co.uk.