Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine

The multi-award-winning Broadway and West End comedy hit Shirley Valentine visits Don Russell Performing Arts Centre during its 14-week national tour on Saturday 26 July at 8pm. Theatre, film and television star Glenda Linscott plays the 42-year-old working-class Liverpool housewife and mother in this hugely popular Willy Russell play. Shirley’s life is mundane. After years of putting her husband, child and household first, her self-esteem is shot. She has begun talking to the wall while preparing chips ‘n’ egg for her husband Joe. When her best friend wins an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Greece, she packs her bags with barely a second thought, leaves a note on the kitchen table and embarks on a great life-affirming adventure. Linscott brings to the role of Shirley a wealth of experience gained from almost 30 years as a professional actor. She is best known to audiences for her role as Rita Connors, the “bikie chick” in Prisoner and as Dr Imogen ‘Tootsie’ Soames in Murder Call. On stage, she has performed and directed productions for many of the nation’s major theatre companies, including the Sydney Theatre Company and Griffin Theatre Company. This national touring production also boasts the talents of director Jennifer Hagan, designer Adam Gardnir and lighting designer Michele Preshaw. Shirley Valentine has received numerous accolades including Olivier Awards (Best Comedy and Best Actress) and a Tony Award (Best Actress). The 1989 film version of the play received a BAFTA nomination for best screenplay and an Academy Award Best Actress nomination (Pauline Collins). “Shirley Valentine is a brilliant, funny evening. Willy Russell has again managed to say something serious in a way that makes the audience fall over laughing.” – Daily Express