David Pugh is delighted to announce a brand new manufacturing of Willy Russell’s basic comedy Shirley Valentine starring Sheridan Smith and directed by Matthew Dunster at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre from Friday 17 February 2023 for 12 weeks.
Shirley Valentine is the joyous, life-affirming story of the girl who received misplaced in marriage and motherhood, the girl who wound up speaking to the kitchen wall while cooking her husband’s chips and egg. But Shirley nonetheless has a secret dream. And in her bag, an airline ticket. One day she could depart a be aware, saying: ‘Gone! Gone to Greece.’
Shirley Valentine is the celebrated one-woman play written by Willy Russell, profitable him his third Olivier Award. Sheridan Smith is a multi-award-winning actress with two Olivier Awards and a BAFTA. Matthew Dunster is a three-time Olivier Award nominated director whose work most lately has been seen on Broadway with Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen and within the West End with 2.22 by Danny Robins on the Criterion Theatre.
David Pugh, the five-time Olivier Award profitable and Two-time Tony Award profitable Producer stated:
“Back in 1986 I was lucky enough to see the first ever production of Shirley Valentine in Liverpool. I have begged Willy to one day let me produce a revival of Shirley Valentine when the casting was right. That day is now and both Willy and I believe that Sheridan Smith is the perfect Shirley Valentine.”
Sheridan Smith stated
“As a mum now myself I’m delighted to be playing theatre’s best-loved mum and I am honoured to be entrusted by Willy Russell to bring his Shirley to life once again in the West End. Now, to practice cooking chips and egg!”
Shirley Valentine is written by Willy Russell, directed by Matthew Dunster, designed by Paul Wills, with lighting design by Lucy Carter, and sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.