‘Shirley Valentine’ by Willy Russell
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, in association with An Tobar and Mull Theatre - 22/10/22
A blast from the past for this reviewer. I wondered when Pitlochry announced this production whether I would enjoy it as much as the first-time round. Would it still be relevant and how would it weather thirty-six years later? Having seen the original West End run in the eighties, would it still pack the same punch as it did then? Would Shirley still resonate with modern audiences? Having taken secondary school kids to see ‘Blood Brothers’ several times and with ‘Our Day Out’ on the curriculum, surely this prolific writer would perhaps seem a bit passé in this modern age of ‘Me Too’.
I am glad to say this concern proved wrong. Willy Russell has the ability to write women’s voices with true authenticity. He did this with ‘Educating Rita’ and Shirley Valentine remains one of the enduring voices of the last three decades. Russell’s writing is full of wit, pathos, and humour. ‘Designer Teeth and Bloodshot Eyes’. You can just see the Lothario in the back seat of the package tour plane!
This is a one-woman story, with the actress having to hold and take the stage for a full two acts. Initially, for the first act, in her prison-like kitchen, talking to the wall, drinking wine, and making sure her husband’s egg and chips are on the table ready when he comes in from work. Second Act, escaping from the kitchen and on the beach in Greece talking to a rock. Still dishing out egg and chips to tourists, but on her own terms this time. This story speaks to all women today.
A strong and delightfully upbeat performance by experienced actress Sally Reid is central to the success of this piece. Despite memories of Pauline Collins’ Oscar nominated film role, she makes it her own. Quite an achievement. With a clever set, especially when the kitchen disappears, and cubes of light depict the beach and blue sea, she never loses our focus. Ably directed by Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman, this show zings along. A great pick me up as the nights start to get shorter.
This production runs until 29th October in the main house.
