The limited West End revival of Willy Russell's classic comedy Shirley Valentine, starring Olivier winner Sheridan Smith, officially opened March 1, and reviews are rolling in.
Directed by Matthew Dunster, previews began at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre February 17. The production has already announced a three week extension, with performances now continuing through June 3. David Pugh produces.
Shirley Valentine is the life-affirming story of a woman who got lost in marriage and motherhood but still has a secret dream—and in her bag, an airline ticket.
Financial Times (Alice Saville)
London Theatre (Marianka Swain)
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Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.
Smith won Olivier Awards for playing Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Doris in Flare Path. She received additional Olivier nominations for her performance as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.
The production has design by Paul Wills, lighting design by Lucy Carter, and sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.
Shirley Valentine was a big success in the West End and on Broadway, where it ran for over 300 performances in the 1988–1989 season. Pauline Collins originated the role in the West End and on Broadway and earned Olivier and Tony Awards. She also re-created the role in the film version, earning an Oscar nomination for her performance.
Russell, creator of the international hit musical Blood Brothers, won his third Olivier for Shirley Valentine.
Visit ShirleyValentineOnStage.com.
