'And what happens when the pendulum swings too far? We push back.'

In the 1970s, one enigmatic old lady wielded extraordinary influence, fighting against what she believed was the UK's moral decline. Armed with only a typewriter, this seemingly harmless grandmother took on the BBC and the 'godless media' in a culture war that divided the nation.

Inspired by real events, Caroline Bird's wickedly funny play delves into Whitehouse's most explosive battle – her infamous blasphemy trial against Gay News – and explores her formidable resolve to push back the tide. Was she a pearl-clutching prude or 'the most dangerous woman in Britain'?

A fascinating investigation into freedom and censorship, The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse was co-commissioned by Nottingham Playhouse, Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Pakenham Projects. Premiering at Nottingham Playhouse in 2025, it was directed by Sarah Frankcom and starred Maxine Peake and Samuel Barnett. 

'Wickedly funny, but also an engrossing, open-minded account of a complex figure whose censoriousness went hand-in-glove with a fearless notion of free speech that feels freshly pertinent' — Telegraph

'A vivid romp' — The Times

'Witty and timely... peers under the bonnet of the campaigner's self-promotion and asks what it feels like to be running on moral conviction' — Guardian

'Fantastic... hilarious... theatrical brilliance... deserves a West End transfer' — Theatre & Tonic

'Sharp, clever, funny and relevant... There is a huge amount of humour, expertly peppered throughout... moments of utter poignancy... an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking new play' — WhatsOnStage

'Lively and urgent... Bird takes Whitehouse's religious and moral convictions seriously, as well as excavating psychological reasons for her rigidity... moments of agonising sadness... there's plenty of enjoyably camp, knowing humour here, too... culminating in a final scene that's gloriously blasphemous' — The Stage

'Mischievous but well researched and ultimately thoughtful... Whitehouse still casts a shadow' — TheatreCat