Some of you will remember her. Willy Russell’s heroine of the 80’s. She played the West End and Broadway, won numerous accolades and was celebrated in film. Her name was Shirley Valentine, before she became Shirley Bradshaw, a middle aged woman, lost in her role as mother to two grown children, and wife to a husband in a somewhat stale marriage. When a friend offers her a trip to Greece, a long forgotten exuberance begins to bubble up in her.
Shirley’s journey is a celebration of many a contemporary woman, balancing motherhood, marriage and self-actualisation. Shirley Bradshaw is the ‘original gangster’ of self-care and self-love – a beacon of empowerment. Long before we had hashtags, we had Shirley.
And she’s back at Montecasino this June after a sold-out season earlier this year. “We believe that what Shirley has to say is important. And it is more relevant than ever,” says Jaco van Rensburg from VR Theatrical. “My business partner grew up knowing the movie and it was his idea to option it. When I watched it – and later read it – I knew he was spot on! It is relatable, oh so funny and even more relevant today!”
The play is directed by Gina Shmukler and Natasha Sutherland returns once more as Shirley. Parental Guidance is advised as the play – which is 80 minutes with no interval – deals with grown-up themes.
It’s at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 22 June to 3 July 2022. Performances are from Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8pm, and matinees on Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 3pm. Ticket Prices range from R150 – R220 and are available through Computicket or at the theatre box office.
