Review: Shirley Valentine at Wyvern Theatre

Last night we had the pleasure of attending the first night of Willy Russell`s iconic play Shirley Valentine starring Jodie Prenger as Shirley. Read on to see what we made of the show.

Floundering in a sea of boring domesticity, where her only conversation is with her kitchen walls, Shirley finds her escape when a friend invites her to join her on a two-week trip to a Greek Island. Upon arrival, Shirley is left to her own devices when her friend decamps on a holiday fling. Exploring the island Shirley relates to us, the audience, how she has struck up a friendship with a charismatic taverna owner who is instrumental in making her change her life.

Miss Prenger’s performance is a theatrical Tour de Force commanding and owning the stage in this one woman show. Her acting is exquisite portraying the downtrodden Shirley with humour, sensitivity and pathos. Not only is Miss Prenger a first-rate musical performer - I had the pleasure of seeing her in the title role of Calamity Jane a couple of years ago when she brought the house down with her performance - but she is also a consummate actress. She never falters in this extremely strenuous and demanding role and she deservedly received a standing ovation at the end. I am most definitely a huge fan of hers.

This is an outstanding, uplifting and heart-warming production and I highly recommend it.

Showing all week until Saturday 17th June at 7:30 pm.

Matinees Thursday 15th and Saturday 17th June at 2:30 pm