Review Scene: Shirley Valentine, Athenaeum Theatre, 31st January 2025 by Karen Dean

Bravo Natalie Bassingthwaighte! A truly outstanding performance!

From the moment Bassingthwaighte took the stage, we were transported into the heart and mind of Shirley Valentine, a character whose wit, resilience, and desire for something more in life resonated with the audience. She managed to perfectly portray the humour, energy, and emotional depth of Shirley Valentine, drawing us in with her storytelling and energetic presence.

From the outset, we found ourselves slowly immersed in the life of a middle-aged housewife who once held childhood dreams of romance and adventure, only to find herself trapped in a marriage that had become stale and uninspiring. Like so many women before her, Shirley’s Valentine’s fairy tale had not unfolded as she had once imagined. Instead, her life had become a cycle of routine, monotony, and endurance—a far cry from the love story she had once dreamed of.

Bassingthwaighte’s comedic timing and her ability to connect with the audience made every moment feel authentic. Her monologues were laced with humor and irony, keeping the audience engaged while also revealing the deeper layers of Shirley’s unfulfilled life.

The play’s witty and humorous dialogue had the audience laughing throughout the performance. One classic example was Shirley reflecting on a comment made by her husband:

“Joe, have you ever heard about the clitoris?”. “Yeah,” he said, “but it doesn’t go as well as the Ford Cortina.”

There are numerous lines that not only provide entertaining relief but also help the audience understand the emotional and physical disconnect in Shirley’s marriage. Whether from personal experience or through friends and family, almost everyone could relate to the bittersweet tragedy of a relationship that had lost its spark.

As the play unfolded, we journeyed alongside Shirley, experiencing the highs and lows of her emotional transformation. We felt her frustration, her loneliness, and ultimately, her determination to reclaim her sense of self.

The moment Shirley finds herself in Greece, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, the tone of the play shifts with her Greek lover being the catalyst for Shirley’s transformation. The audience couldn’t help but cheer for her newfound confidence and independence.

Playwright, Willy Russell, has created a character that is not only witty but also relatable, and in Bassingthwaighte’s hands, Shirley Valentine is charming, vulnerable, and unforgettable. The quality of this production extended beyond Bassingthwaighte’s outstanding performance. The entire creative team is deserving of credit for bringing this story to life with authenticity and depth with particular mention given to the talented director Lee Lewis and the producers Alex Woodward and Neil Gooding.

Melbourne theatre goers will be treated to an evening of mixed emotions that will make you laugh and reflect on the importance of self-worth, adventure, and taking control of one’s own happiness.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte stars in the West End and Broadway award-winning Shirley Valentine!

Experience the heartwarming, hilarious, and utterly inspiring story of Shirley Valentine, brought to life by Australian stage and screen star Natalie Bassingthwaighte. Written by Willy Russell and directed by Lee Lewis this timeless West End and Broadway comedy will take you on a journey of self-discovery, laughter, and second chances.

Shirley is an unassuming housewife with a dream—and a passport. Talking to her kitchen wall, she dreams of escape and wonders what happened to the adventurous girl she once was.

When a friend invites her on a spontaneous holiday to Greece, Shirley takes a bold leap into the unknown. With humour, charm and grit, she rediscovers her passion for life and her sense of self. Will she return to her old ways, or will Shirley find a new life where she can finally be her true self?

With Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s magnetic charm and powerhouse performance, this one-woman tour de force will have you laughing, crying, and cheering for Shirley’s bold new chapter.

Don’t miss this must-see theatrical event in Melbourne! Whether you’re revisiting a beloved story or discovering it for the first time, Shirley Valentine will leave you inspired and uplifted.