Disclaimer: We received free tickets for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Directed by Lotte Wakeham and re-set in Lancashire rather than its original Liverpool, Willy Russell’s popular play, Shirley Valentine, is currently captivating audiences at Blackpool Grand Theatre. We had the pleasure of watching it last night, and it is definitely a production not to be missed!
The story revolves around Shirley, a 42-year-old woman whose children have flown the nest, leaving her feeling stuck in a stagnant marriage and disillusioned with life. We first meet her in her 1980’s kitchen, typical of many a Lancashire home, where she communicates to the audience by talking to the kitchen wall. Through these reflections, she recalls encounters from her past, one minute she’s reminiscing about bumping into an old school friend who’s now a high-class escort, and the next, she’s got us howling with laughter at tales of her son’s school nativity play.
As Shirley shares her story, she’s calmly cooking up egg and chips for husband Joe’s tea, all the while enjoying a well-deserved glass of wine. The unpretentious set and the choice of a classic northern meal felt so comforting and familiar, and it really felt like the audience were being welcomed right into her kitchen.
As Shirley shares her story, she confides in us about her secret plans for a holiday to Greece with her friend Jane, who’s kindly bought her the ticket. You can sense her inner turmoil as she wrestles with the idea of leaving – who’s going to cook Joe’s meals and keep the house in order while she’s away? But the tipping point comes when her daughter Millandra breezes back home, fully expecting Shirley to keep catering to her every whim. It’s the final straw! As The Clash’s Should I Stay or Should I Go? blasts out, Shirley makes her choice – she’s off! She leaves behind a freezer stocked with meals and a note for Joe. We both agreed it was an absolutely brilliant way to end the first half – full of drama, defiance, and a touch of rock ’n’ roll!
The second half is set in Greece and when Shirley’s friend quickly becomes occupied with a man she met on the plane, Shirley is left to her own devices. Yet, far from feeling abandoned, Shirley embraces the solitude and the opportunity for self-discovery and enjoys it so much she decides to stay in Greece despite Joe wanting her to return home!
Mina Anwar’s performance as Shirley Valentine was absolutely brilliant. In a one-woman show, the challenge of carrying the entire script is no small feat, yet she delivered it flawlessly. She brings such warmth, humour, and depth to the character, effortlessly shifting from heartfelt moments of reflection to laugh-out-loud comedy. It’s no wonder her performance earned a thoroughly deserved standing ovation, her portrayal was so genuine and relatable.
Even though Willy Russell wrote Shirley Valentine over 30 years ago, it still speaks to us today. I know of lots of women who at times wish they could escape and leave everyday life behind – although most of them never would, but it’s nice to dream! This production is uplifting, empowering, and it’s such a wonderful reminder to grab life by the olives and make the most of every moment!
Shirley Valentine is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 1st April to Saturday 5th April. Tickets cost from £15 with concessions for 1894 Club members and Friends of The Grand. Group rates are also available. There is also an Audio Described/BSL performance on Saturday 5th April at 2.30pm
Please call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit the Blackpool Grand website for full listings, bookings and further information.
Photo credits – The Other Richard
The Review Studio 