IN the 1980s, the character of Shirley Valentine – in Willy Russell’s original one-woman play and subsequent film – became emblematic of unfulfilled housewives who broke free of their domestic shackles.
But is it still relevant 20 years on? Or have two decades of female empowerment rendered the play a period piece?Š
Well, there will always be frustrated people – men as well as women – who lack the courage or opportunity to make fundamental changes to their lives. So Shirley Valentine, although some of its philosophising is a little too pat, will always strike chords.
Mainly, though, the play is a bittersweet comedy, and Shirley’s wry commentary on her existence in suburban Liverpool, married to the lumpen Joe, and her sojourn in Greece, where a holiday became a sexual adventure and then a whole new life, raised plentiful laughs in this Huddersfield Thespians production, directed by Enid Luty.
It represents a fine achievement by its sole performer, Christine Davies. Setting aside the sheer feat of memory (an entire 90-minute monologue with only three or four first night prompts), her characterisation of Shirley is first-rate and she has the skill to bring to life a whole raft of individuals who are only referred to but seem to be present, including the ghastly Joe.
Shirley Valentine as realised in this production is exceptionally attractive, amusing and insightful. So how come she ended up down such a cul-de-sac in life?Š Various answers emerge, and Christine Davies is able to turn on an emotional sixpence when she suddenly expresses the kitchen-confined Shirley’s anguished frustration.
The play continues until Saturday, when there is also a matinee.
