A heartfelt journey that has you rooting for Shirley every step of the way, leaving you filled with pride
Before the show began, the stage felt intimate with a simple table and dining chairs set against an empty backdrop. When the production started, the back panel lifted to reveal a fully realised 1980s kitchen, a transformation that set the scene for Shirley’s world. As Shirley Valentine (played by Helen Carter) walked onto the stage, the entire crowd erupted in cheers, revealing the strong following and deep admiration for both the play and Carter herself.
Carter brought a warmth to Shirley that made her loveable. Throughout the show, you felt an urge to root for her, to call out encouragement – “Shirley, get out there and do it!” or “Shirley, don’t put up with that!” Her delivery of Shirley’s reflections on life, lost dreams, and small moments of joy was so heartfelt that you couldn’t help but be emotionally invested.
One of the most impressive aspects of the performance was Carter’s ability to embody not just Shirley but all the people in her life. Through Shirley’s narration, she seamlessly shifted into other characters, each distinct enough that you could picture them vividly. It never felt like a one-woman show but instead it felt like a stage filled with different personalities, all experienced through Shirley’s eyes.
One of my favourite aspects of the show was that it felt natural, as though we were watching Shirley in her home rather than a theatrical performance. The way she spoke to “the wall” or “the rock” made it clear that the storytelling wasn’t for us as an audience but was a normal part of Shirley’s life. It felt intimate and real, as if these conversations were ones Shirley would be having with herself regardless of whether we were watching.
The production balanced emotional depth with humour. There were sad, heartwarming moments that tugged at the audience’s emotions, but also joyous ones that made you laugh. By the end, I felt a deep sense of pride for Shirley, for stepping beyond the life she had settled into and daring to take a chance on something more.
The set design was crafted to transport the audience back to the 1980s with details such as the old-style chip fryer, the classic Fairy Liquid branding, and frequent mentions of “chips and eggs” (though, my mum insisted that people in the ‘80s said “egg and chips” instead). These small touches made the setting feel real.
As the final bow approached, there was a visible tear in Helen Carter’s eye, a touching moment that showed just how much the audience’s support meant to her. It was a beautiful reminder that the appreciation between a performer and audience can be truly mutual.