Willy Russell’s one-woman show, Shirley Valentine, comes home to the Liverpool Everyman as part of the theatre’s 60th birthday celebrations until 29th March. Originally commissioned and staged by the Everyman, Shirley is played by Liverpool actor Helen Carter in a revival directed by Stephen Fletcher.
Willy Russell is one of the most celebrated and widely produced writers of his generation, with works regularly produced across the globe. Willy has had a long association with the Everyman, his breakthrough as a writer came in 1974 with John Paul George Ringo… & Bert, which transferred to the West End and won numerous awards. Further stage plays at the Everyman included Breezeblock Park (1975) and Stags and Hens (1978). After huge international success with Blood Brothers and Educating Rita, he returned to the Everyman in 1986, writing the iconic Shirley Valentine.
Shirley Valentine is a life-affirming story of one woman's journey of self-discovery, laughter, and liberation. Shirley once had a zest for life, but at 42 is left with an empty nest, an emotionally distant husband and only ‘the wall’ for company. When her best friend offers the trip of a lifetime to Greece, can Shirley’s dreams of a life less ordinary finally come true?
Playing Shirley, Liverpool actor Helen Carter has numerous stage credits for the Everyman and Playhouse, including The Flint Street Nativity, Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi, No Wise Men, The Star, A Christmas Carol and Dead Heavy Fantastic. She has most recently appeared at Liverpool’s Royal Court in Boys from the Blackstuff, which transferred to the National Theatre.
Originally commissioned for the Everyman for the theatre’s 21st birthday, by the then Artistic Director Glen Walford, Shirley Valentine opened in March 1986 with Noreen Kershaw in the title role and Glen directing. The show enjoyed huge success with an extended run.
