Romesh Ranganathan Makes a West End Leap
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is stepping onto the West End stage for the first time, co-starring with Sheridan Smith in Alan Ayckbourn’s psychological comedy Woman in Mind. The production, staged at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London, runs from 9 December to 28 February before visiting Sunderland and Glasgow in March. It marks a new chapter in a career that already features a formidable mix of television, radio, and documentary work.
The move from screen to stage is a notable transition for the 47-year-old comedian, who is widely recognized for his work on The Weakest Link, A League of Their Own, a BBC Radio 2 show, and hosting duties at the Baftas. This time, the challenge is acting live before a theatre audience, a different rhythm and energy from filmed performances.
Balancing Fame with Craft
Ranganathan is frank about the realities of being a high-profile figure in modern entertainment. He acknowledges the perception that he is “on everything,” but stresses that choices are deliberate. “I do say no to stuff,” he tells BBC News, highlighting a selective approach to projects. The aim, he says, is to ensure each role is something he would watch and could perform convincingly.
Industry veterans who also balance demanding schedules—names like Ant and Dec, Michael McIntyre, and Claudia Winkleman—often limit commitments to maintain quality and longevity. For Ranganathan, the concern over overexposure is real, yet he remains pragmatic: “If that happens, it happens.” He relies on a “gut feeling” to decide whether a project is right, rather than overthinking the potential public reaction.
What Woman in Mind Brings
Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind centers on Susan, a woman whose head injury triggers a vivid fantasy life that gradually blurs with reality. Ranganathan plays the doctor who acts as a crucial link between the two worlds, a role that will test his stage presence and timing in a live setting. He notes the production will stay faithful to the source material while allowing some stylistic reinterpretation under the direction of Michael Longhurst.
The project becomes a notable bridge between Ranganathan’s screen persona and the demands of live theatre. He jokes about his only previous “theatre” experience being, perhaps, a primary-school Nativity role, underscoring how this venture marks a genuine first in a professional acting career. The experience is described as nerve-wracking and exciting in equal measure, with the potential to redefine how audiences perceive him as an actor.
Collaborating with Sheridan Smith
Sharing the stage with Sheridan Smith adds a strong dynamic to the production. Smith’s established stage credentials and audience appeal amplify expectations for a compelling performance. For Ranganathan, the collaboration offers a unique learning curve and a chance to hone his craft in front of a theatre-going public that values nuance and presence in every scene.
A New Chapter, Carefully Considered
Ranganathan frames this West End debut as part of a broader career strategy rather than a runaway public persona. He emphasizes the importance of weighing each choice against personal and professional goals, including the possibility of taking a hiatus if the public mood shifts. His wife’s background as an ex-drama teacher lends a personal resonance to the decision to explore theatre, underscoring that this is a considered evolution rather than a reckless leap.
What to Expect in the Winter Run
From December through February in London, followed by March dates in Sunderland and Glasgow, the production promises a blend of Ayckbourn’s wit, psychological tension, and live theatrical immediacy. Ranganathan’s doctor character is poised to be a steadying force across shifting realities, providing a through-line for audiences navigating Susan’s imagined and real worlds.
As Ranganathan prepares for what will be a defining moment in his career, he remains focused on delivering quality performances while guarding against fan fatigue. In an industry known for rapid-fire fame, his measured approach to projects—balancing ambition with audience expectations—signals a thoughtful path forward for a comedian who has become a familiar, and increasingly versatile, face on British screens and stages.
