Brisbane review - Shirley Valentine: Theatre at its best
- Oct 31, 2025
- 2 min read
By David Wilson
Shirley Valentine
Starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte
Written by Willy Russell
Directed by Lee LewisSet and Costume Design by Simone Romaniuk
Lighting Design by Paul Jackson
Sound Design by Marcello Lo Ricco
Composer Brady Watkins
Dialect Coach Jennifer White
Produced by Neil Gooding Productions & Woodward Productions
October 29 – November 9 2025 at Twelfth Night Theatre, 4 Cintra Rd, Bowen Hills, BrisbaneTickets available at https://www.ticketek.com.au or https://shirleyvalentine.com.au
Image by Brett Boardman
From the opening curtain of Shirley Valentine, the audience is expertly drawn in by a human voice that is funny, frank and achingly relatable. The play, originally premiered in 1986 at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, continues to resonate for precisely that reason. It went on to win the 1988 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and then transferred to Broadway in 1989, where it received further acclaim. A successful film adaptation followed in 1989, directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.In this Brisbane season, the story of Shirley — a jaded 42 year old woman who drinks perhaps a little too much Reisling, talks to her kitchen wall, and ponders “the weight of an unused life” — is given fresh perspective by the simply sensational Natalie Bassingthwaighte. The opening moments find her alone on stage: the kitchen, the wall, cooking chips and egg in the mundane world she inhabits. The design choices are deliberate and on point. Simone Romaniuk’s set and costumes are uncomplicated, unflashy, and intentionally so. The lighting by Paul Jackson subtly shifts as Shirley’s journey moves from bland routine to sunlit possibility. Sound design by Marcello Lo Ricco and the score by Brady Watkins underscore without overwhelming. The effect is that we are never distracted from the wonderful script and the incredible performance of Bassingthwaighte who is surely at the peak of her powers.Every line of Bassingthwaighte’s interpretation carries both humour and yearning - the laughter and emotional punch are inseparable. The audience is captivated by the emotional journey - rebellious youth, old school rivals, the children’s dramas, the foreboding presence of Joe, dreams of drinking wine where the grapes are grown, and bravely taking the leap into the unknown all brilliantly done. The performance is both demanding and fast paced, but it is the wonderful timing, and in particular the moments of pause and silence throughout, that really allows the audience to connect with the universality of Shirley’s story - not only do we all recognise Shirley, to some extent we all are Shirley. From the moment the house lights dimmed on opening night the audience engagement was total. I have rarely seen an audience so eager to respond: applause before the curtain rose, uncontained laughter at the exact right moments (not forced, not delayed), even some cheering, before a well-deserved total standing ovation which recognised a wonderful performance and also acknowledged the inspirational, shared experience.
In a world where spectacle often overshadows substance, this production reminds us that what matters most is the human story, clearly told, given fully and deeply felt. If you have the chance to see this season of Shirley Valentine at Twelfth Night Theatre, please do. Theatre at its best.
This was a very informative and engaging post. I really liked how the author explained ideas in a simple and relatable way. It made me think about common academic concerns students face today, especially questions like Can Turnitin Detect Quillbot. Many students are curious about how these tools work and how academic integrity is maintained. Posts like this encourage readers to think more deeply about their learning process and approach their work honestly. I found this content both interesting and useful, especially for students trying to understand modern academic tools and improve their writing practices.
In my opinion, this is one of the top choices when looking for the best restaurant in Islamabad for family outings. The atmosphere is clean, friendly, and ideal for kids and adults alike.
The explanation about using credible academic sources like journals, books, and historical documents was particularly interesting. Humanities research clearly depends on careful reading and interpretation of different perspectives. It made me realize how much time students probably spend comparing sources and developing their arguments. That process sounds rewarding but also demanding at the same time. Because of that, it’s understandable that some students quietly consider Humanities Assignment Help when they are trying to manage research, writing, and deadlines together.
A Medium of Instruction certificate (MOI) is a letter from your school or college that confirms the language used to teach your course (for example, English). The MOI letter meaning is simple: it is proof that your education was delivered in a specific language. Many universities may accept this as part of their English language proof, especially during admissions or document checks. MOI letter meaning and requirements usually include your full name, course name, study period, the language of instruction, and an official signature with seal/stamp from the institution.
Tips To Know Before Hiring Essay Writing Services
In the contemporary world, the essay service is only one of the most in-demand services. If you are having trouble producing your own essay, whether it be for school, work, or even for yourself, essay support is your only option.
If you intend to write any academic papers, you should ensure that you complete the task successfully by enlisting assistance. One of the reasons the article service has grown so popular in recent years is that it is a particularly efficient and effective tool for article writing. You can choose from a variety of authors to help you with your essay task.
Many people find themselves afraid when it comes to writing…