The life of Shirley Valentine in Liverpool hasn’t gone down the path that she envisaged. A bored housewife with two adult children and talking to the kitchen wall on a daily basis. She is also married to Joe who never makes it on stage. Joe seems to treat her with contempt and wants his evening meal on the table the exact second he walks through the day from work.
Her best friend Jane who is going through a hard time herself with her husband running off with the milkman books a trip to Greece for a fortnight holiday full of sun, ocean and Greek olives. But Jane has also purchased a ticket for Shirley.
Shirley at first isn’t sure if she will take up the offer thinking how Joe will cope without his evening meals being cooked and washing being done. But an eventful night where Joe isn’t happy with his serving of eggs and chips makes her decision certain and she then packs her suitcase for Greece in the early hours of the night so Joe doesn’t find out.
The second act begins with Shirley in Greece with a whole new look, and outlook to life and what an adventure she lives while in Greece which changes her life forever.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte is marvellous as Shirley Valentine and is on point with the way she goes from one accent to another. The way she plays a one woman play is exceptional and worthy of the standing ovation she receives at the end.
Act one is quite intense at times and the comedy doesn’t come through through. But act two is when the play becomes more light-hearted and funnier, but still portrays some important perspectives about life and living.
The monologue is 110 minutes in duration but it never seems to drag, and the use of lighting between shifts in the mood for Shirley is very clever.
The set design is fantastic with act one looking like a traditional 1980’s kitchen in Australia. While Act two brings you to a sun soaked Greek island where you can see yourself sitting at a table right beside the sea with a plate of Greek olives of course.
Shirley Valentine is a play that will make you feel uplifted and inspired when you leave the theatre. Five stars.
Shirley Valentine is directed by Lee Lewis and produced by Neil Gooding productions and Woodward Productions and is on at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide until April 6.
Get your tickets here:
https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SHIRVAL25
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