The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
Shirley Valentine
By Willy Russell
A Stables Theatre production
Directed by Leslie Adams
11–15 August 2009
Reviewed by Richard Pryce
By Willy Russell
A Stables Theatre production
Directed by Leslie Adams
11–15 August 2009
Reviewed by Richard Pryce
A middle-aged woman preparing dinner in her Liverpool kitchen is the opening scene for this much-loved one-woman show. From this simple setting Heather Alexander as Shirley Valentine begins to share with the audience, and the kitchen wall, her feelings of entrapment in a mundane marriage—the wall being considered more receptive than her emotionally distant husband Joe. Suddenly though, the monotony of her life is challenged by a friend’s invitation to join her for a holiday in Greece. Shirley agonizes over the implications for her relationship with Joe but soon realizes that this opportunity may be her means of liberation. “Gone to Greece, back in two weeks,” is the note left on the fridge, as Shirley courageously steps out to find her true self again and change her life.
The changes in Shirley’s life were reflected in the contrasting sets of this two-act show. In act one, the small kitchen captured the claustrophobic nature of her life, with only a tantalising glimpse of a brighter world outside the window. In act two, the Greek beach design cleverly matched Shirley’s growing sense of freedom and warmth.
Heather Alexander’s portrayal of Shirley’s interaction with the many unseen characters of the story and their various accents demanded considerable stamina and verbal flexibility. There was a wide range of emotions to realize too, from the daring events of a younger Shirley, through her current melancholic existence and increasing anger at a wasted life, to the ultimately happier person that she becomes. All these challenges were convincingly met, aided in part by Heather’s relaxed style and the intimate rapport she achieved with the audience. Particularly impressive were her comic timing and superb delivery of the many humorous lines, making this an evening of great laughter as well as strong emotion.
Was this a play that spoke more strongly to women, as at times the audience’s reaction seemed to indicate? And does it resonate as strongly today with younger people whose life choices are much greater than even twenty years ago when it was written? Whatever the answer, it remains an uplifting story which encourages us all to take courage, challenge wasted potential and find happiness. Seen in this light, to whatever degree we comprehended and empathized with Shirley, there was a huge amount to appreciate and enjoy in this production.
The changes in Shirley’s life were reflected in the contrasting sets of this two-act show. In act one, the small kitchen captured the claustrophobic nature of her life, with only a tantalising glimpse of a brighter world outside the window. In act two, the Greek beach design cleverly matched Shirley’s growing sense of freedom and warmth.
Heather Alexander’s portrayal of Shirley’s interaction with the many unseen characters of the story and their various accents demanded considerable stamina and verbal flexibility. There was a wide range of emotions to realize too, from the daring events of a younger Shirley, through her current melancholic existence and increasing anger at a wasted life, to the ultimately happier person that she becomes. All these challenges were convincingly met, aided in part by Heather’s relaxed style and the intimate rapport she achieved with the audience. Particularly impressive were her comic timing and superb delivery of the many humorous lines, making this an evening of great laughter as well as strong emotion.
Was this a play that spoke more strongly to women, as at times the audience’s reaction seemed to indicate? And does it resonate as strongly today with younger people whose life choices are much greater than even twenty years ago when it was written? Whatever the answer, it remains an uplifting story which encourages us all to take courage, challenge wasted potential and find happiness. Seen in this light, to whatever degree we comprehended and empathized with Shirley, there was a huge amount to appreciate and enjoy in this production.
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Photographs > www.artypharty.com
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
