The joyous, life affirming comedy Shirley Valentine officially opens at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre tonight. Leading lady of stage and screen Natalie Bassingthwaighte has returned to Australian stages to star in one of the world’s most popular plays, directed by Lee Lewis.
This beloved one-woman play by Willy Russell tells the inspiring and hilarious story of Shirley, a middle-aged, working class Liverpool housewife stuck in a life of routine. Talking to her kitchen wall, she dreams of escape and wonders what happened to the adventurous girl she once was.
When a friend invites her on a spontaneous holiday to Greece, Shirley takes a bold leap into the unknown. With humour, charm and grit, she rediscovers her passion for life and her sense of self. Will she return to her old ways, or will Shirley find a new life where she can finally be her true self?
Shirley Valentine is brought to life by acclaimed actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte. Known for her incredible versatility spanning film (Elvis), television (Neighbours, Underbelly, X-Factor) and stage (Chicago, Jagged Little Pill).
Natalie was most recently seen on stage starring as Mary-Jane in Alanis Morissette’s Tony Award winning musical Jagged Little Pill, and was nominated for the prestigious Green Room Award for Best Leading Artist.
She began her stage career on Australian productions of Grease, Rent, Footloose and Chicago. Natalie returned to stage at the iconic Sydney Opera House for the hugely successful extended season of the play Love, Loss and What I Wore and Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Funny Girl In Concert. Prior to Jagged Little Pill, she played Roxie Hart in the hugely successful production of Chicago, where she was nominated as Best Female Actor in a musical at the Sydney Theatre Awards.
Natalie’s career defining portrayal of Shirley Valentine promises to deliver a fresh, dynamic take on Shirley’s journey, capturing every laugh, tear and moment of courage.
Shirley Valentine is an unforgettable, heartwarming journey of self-discovery that has captivated audiences worldwide. Don’t miss this chance to fall in love with Shirley’s wit, wisdom and wild spirit in a story that reminds us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Shirley Valentine opens tonight and runs until 16 February at the Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street Melbourne.
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artist/804297
Website: https://shirleyvalentine.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/shirleyvalentineau/
Photo credits: Brett Boardman
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