Shirley Valentine at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review
Reviewed by Dee Ryz
Shirley Valentine, a heart-warming and hilarious one-woman play written by Willy Russell, following the tale of a bored middle-aged Liverpool housewife Shirley Bradshaw who spends her day talking to her kitchen wall and cooking and cleaning for her illusive, tyrannical husband Joe, all the while pondering about what happened to her life as a young and daring Shirley Valentine. We follow her as her best friend offers her a 2 week, all expenses paid, holiday in Greece which she openly debates and then agrees to go on, without disclosing to her husband. A holiday romance changes Shirley’s perspective on life and we’re left wondering will she ever go back to rainy Liverpool, or live it up on her dream Greek island?
Jodie Prenger is absolutely marvellous as Shirley. From the effortless way she mimics her nosy neighbour to her passionate packing monologue, Prenger is bubbly, comedic and quick witted.
As a one woman show I was concerned that the scenery might be lacking however the production team did a wonderful job. The first act took place in Shirley’s kitchen where the set was true to form, decked out in retro eighties fashion complete with an old brown/cream washing machine, a dated bottle of Fairy Liquid and deep fat fryer – in fact, Shirley even managed to cook egg and chips live on stage without a fake-fry or plastic egg in sight (one of the stagehands even helped herself to a chip while tidying up the set in between scenes)! The 2nd act followed Shirley to a beach on her Greek island – not quite as sleek as the first scene but the glittery, shimmering rocks did make me smile as they had an almost dream-like quality which was in keeping with the story.
Overall, I’d highly recommend friends and family alike to head along to watch this fabulous performance – 4 stars!
The performance takes place at the historic King’s Theatre in Edinburgh’s central Tollcross district, easily accessed via bus, rail, or car (free on street parking is available after 6.30pm) with a variety of bars and restaurants nearby so you can easily make a night out of it!
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £17 to £30.50 (booking fees may apply).
Shirley Valentine is at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh from 30 May to 3 June 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.edtheatres.com or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000
