The new production of the classic comedy will head to the Duke of York’s Theatre from February.
It has been announced that Sheridan Smith is set to star in this new production of Willy Russell’s play, which will have a limited run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from the 17th February for a 12 week season.
Shirley Valentine is the joyous, life-affirming story of the woman who got lost in marriage and motherhood, the woman who wound up talking to the kitchen wall whilst cooking her husband’s chips and egg. But Shirley still has a secret dream. And in her bag, an airline ticket. One day she may just leave a note, saying: ‘Gone! Gone to Greece.’
Sheridan Smith’s previous stage credits includeElle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre and Doris in Flare Path at Theatre Royal Haymarket, both roles garnering her Olivier Awards, and the latter the Evening Standard Award as Best Actress. She received further Olivier nominations for her performance as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Duke of York’s Theatre, and Fanny Brice in Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre.
This new production of Shirley Valentine is set to be directed by Matthew Dunster is a three-time Olivier Award nominated director whose work most recently has been seen on Broadway with Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen and in the West End with 2.22 by Danny Robins at the Criterion Theatre. The creative team behind this new production also includes: designs by Paul Wills, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph and is produced by David Pugh.
Talking about the news, Sheridan Smith said: “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!”
To book tickets, visit ATG Tickets.