Shirley's back! (From Wirral Globe)

Shirley's back!

11:08am Thursday 7th May 2009

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“I like a glass of wine with my meal. Don’t I wall?”

The curtains had barely lifted on a performance of Shirley Valentine at the Royal Court theatre this week before the laughing began.

Wirral actress Pauline Daniels plays Shirley Bradshaw, the mum who always does what’s best for her family.

Having been a wife and mother for so long, she’s long forgotten what it's like to enjoy life away from domestic drudgery.

Having resorted to talking to the wall, the first scene features 48-year-old Shirley in her kitchen, drinking wine and cooking (literally) chips and egg for her husband, who "must have his dinner at 6 o’clock on the dot!".

The smell of chips cooking in the deep fat fryer drifted out into the stalls, cleverly setting the scene well for the tired, 1980s housewife who reminisces about her younger, carefree days not only as Shirley Valentine, but also the start of a married life that was full of promise.

The second act is set on a beach in Greece and it’d be interesting to see if girls-only bookings to the Greek Islands go up significantly following this two-week stint, all by those wanting to “do a Shirley".

Pauline’s performance was absolutely outstanding. Her background in comedy and her scouse roots make her one of playwright Willy Russell's favourite actresses to play the part of Shirley and he commented on her strong performance after the play had finished.

"Pauline was magnificent," he said. "And the beauty is that the audience still have so many questions left to ask, such as does Shirley actually stay in Greece or not?"

Pauline herself believes that there is no finer role ever written for a woman and knows the impact Shirley has on an audience. It is an uplifting play that is tinged with sadness in parts, as Shirley reflects on her 'wasted life.

What’s interesting is that I believe that Shirley really does love her husband, but she simply wants to escape the rut they are in and to start enjoying life again.

I'm fairly certain that no other monologue ever written draws the crowds – and the laughs – like Shirley Valentine. She is a timeless character that appeals to both sexes in theatres right across the globe, but especially in Liverpool.

Shirley Valentine is on at the Royal Court until this Saturday, May 9. For more details, call the booking line on 0870 787 1866.

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