A humorous and poignant exploration of self-discovery and personal transformation, Willy Russell’s beloved 1986 play, Shirley Valentine, makes a welcome return to the Melbourne stage, opening at the Athenaeum Theatre, starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, under the direction of Lee Lewis.
Russell’s play follows the journey of Shirley, a middle-aged Liverpool housewife who feels trapped in a monotonous, unfulfilling life. She spends her days drinking wine and talking to the kitchen wall, lamenting lost dreams and an uninspiring marriage. When her friend invites her on a trip to Greece, Shirley seizes the opportunity for adventure and a new beginning.
Instantly drawing the audience into Shirley’s world, Bassingthwaighte embodies the character with warmth, humour and vulnerability with effortless charm, commanding the stage with a natural presence that is both engaging and deeply relatable.
Whether reminiscing about Shirley’s youthful dreams or contemplating the quiet dissatisfaction of her routine existence, Bassingthwaighte thoughtfully delivers Russell’s sharp and witty script, whilst embracing the poignant, emotional undercurrents that make Shirley’s journey so resonant.
With a guiding hand, Lewis’ direction ensures that the play’s themes of self-discovery, courage and second chances remain powerful and relevant as ever, ensuring those watching are personally invested in Shirley’s struggles and triumphs.
Simone Romaniuk set design is crucial in this journey, with a convincing recreation of Shirley’s domestic world that gives way to the liberating expanse of her new life abroad. Mirroring Shirley’s transformation, the production seamlessly shifts from the familiarity of a 1980s Liverpudlian kitchen to the sun-drenched freedom of a Greek island.
The beauty of this production is the connection Bassingthwaighte forges with the audience, so by the time she declares herself Shirley the Sensational, Shirley the Brave – the entire audience is with her, celebrating her newfound joy and liberation.
Shirley Valentine
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne
Performance: Friday 31 January 2025
Season continues to 16 February 2025
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, visit: www.shirleyvalentine.com.au for details.
Image: Natalie Bassingthwaighte stars as Shirley Valentine – photo by Brett Boardman