Willy Russell - Shirley Valentine

Shirley Valentine is a middle-aged Liverpool housewife, who reveals her innermost thoughts and fears in a manner that is both insouciant and poignant.

Once an incorrigible anti-establishment rebel, Shirley now chafes under the plodding insensitivity of her husband, Joe and the stultifying pace of her suburban routine.

Her life enters a new and exciting phase when, after her best friend, Jane, wins an all-expenses-paid vacation to Greece, Shirley is given the opportunity to travel to faraway places without her husband; she begins to see the world, and herself, in a different light.

Written by acclaimed writer Willy Russell.

Meera Syal stars as Shirley Valentine.

After a much lauded run at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory the play transferred to The Trafalgar studio to continued success. After the theatre run finished on 30th October 2010, Meera walked straight into the studio to record the one woman play for BBC Radio.

Based on the original Menier Theatre production directed by Glen Walford.

Producer: Clive Brill

A Pacificus production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.