I headed into Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide for the opening night of Shirley Valentine, expecting a light-hearted comedy about an English woman’s solo escapades in Greece. What I witnessed, however, was an emotional dive into the reality of womanhood and one’s search for herself. The latter was a far more rewarding theatre experience because I left having truly felt something. Shirley Valentine is a timeless exploration of a woman’s journey of self-discovery and truly a triumph of a one-woman show.
Shirley Valentine was originally written in 1986 by Willy Russell and has earned a solid place in the British theatre canon. In 1989, a film version was produced, starring Pauline Collins who also played Shirley on the West End and Broadway.
Shirley Valentine captures the timeless longing of women, to break free, explore the world, and chase their dreams, a sentiment that has resonated across generations. This Australian production, produced by Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward, is a timely re-imaging for the 21st-century stage.
Growing tired of her modest life as a housewife, Shirley talks to her kitchen wall in the hopes of an escape from her monotonous routine. She yearns for the adventurous young woman she once was. When a friend invites her on a spontaneous trip to Greece, Shirley battles with self-belief as well as judgements from others before eventually taking the courageous leap onto the plane.
Shirley Valentine encourages us to heed that quiet voice within. It reminds us of the tremendous personal reward that comes with breaking free from societal expectations and chasing happiness.
I was eager to see Australian icon Natalie Bassingthwaighte in a live theatre setting for the first time. Having followed her for many years, her journey is a testament to both her versatility and enduring success. Natalie exceeded all of my expectations with her whirlwind performance.
Under the expert direction of Lee Lewis, Natalie masterfully embodies Shirley, striking a delicate balance between vulnerability and poise. She approaches this complex character with authenticity and dimension, delivering a solo performance that never loses its grip on the audience, not for a moment.
From the very first monologue, the audience is hooked on every word. With a warm, inviting presence, Natalie fosters an immediate connection, setting a conversational tone that draws us effortlessly into Shirley’s world.
Natalie’s ability to infuse each monologue with nuance and dynamism makes for an enthralling storytelling experience. Subtle shifts in tone, precise inflection, and the natural charm of her Liverpool accent allow her to land both the humour and the shocking moments with impeccable timing.
The audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster across the two hours. Shifting from bursts of laughter to moments of quiet reflection as we wipe tears from our cheeks, Natalie’s masterful performance is going to stay with us.
The set and lighting design by Simone Romaniuk and Paul Jackson are clever additions that enhance the story and its themes. The lighting is used in the poignant moments to further manipulate the audience’s reaction, often with a slow dimming or a brightening of the lights. This seemingly subtle addition perfectly enhances Natalie’s emotive dialogue onstage.
The contrasting set between Act One and Act Two effectively transforms from an enclosed kitchen to an open Greek taverna, complete with ancient ruins, that spans the width of the stage. This change is a clear metaphor representing Shirley’s newfound freedom from the suffocating confines of her home, corresponding beautifully with Natalie’s portrayal of a liberated woman.
Anyone, and women of any age especially, will feel a strong sense of relatability to Shirley Valentine. A universal fear living inside us all is the concept of a wasted life. This show is a poignant reminder that joy can be found when we take those leaps of faith and chase our innermost desires.
Shirley Valentine is on for a strictly limited season until 6 April at Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street Adelaide.
Tickets are available from Ticketek.
Website: https://shirleyvalentine.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/shirleyvalentineau/
Photo credits: Brett Boardman
Waitlist now for the Brisbane and Sydney seasons of Shirley Valentine!
