Following a successful 'test run' at Wollombi last month, Bare Productions will take Shirley Valentine to Newcastle's Royal Exchange Theatre in January.
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The Wollombi-based company was set to stage the show in Newcastle in October, but it was cancelled at the time due to COVID restrictions.
Bare Productions' founder Annette Rowlison and actor Cath Patterson kept the play in top shape, ready for their earliest opportunity to return it to the stage.
The test run at the Harp of Erin theatre in Wollombi on the last weekend of November was completely sold out and received rave reviews.
"The response to the show has been amazing with a standing ovation on Saturday night no less!" Rowlison said.
Written by Willy Russell, the one-woman play tells the story of Shirley Bradshaw, who often finds herself alone and talking to the wall in her kitchen, wondering if she has the courage to escape her dull married life.
Can she follow her dreams and take an unexpected and exciting trip to Greece in search of her fearless former self, Shirley Valentine?
Rowlison said Shirley's quote "Why do y' get all this life, when it can't be used?" struck a chord with the audience at the play's Wollombi season.
"There were many comments from audience that the show has made them think about whether they are making the most of their own lives. I do love a play with a message!"
The Newcastle season of Shirley Valentine follows Bare Productions' previous seasons at the Bolton Street venue, including the award-winning The Sum of Us in 2019 and this April's Bombshells.
Shirley Valentine will open at January 14, 2022 with evening performances on January 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 7.30pm, and a Sunday matinee on January 16 at 5pm.
Tickets are $35 (or $32.50 for concessions and people in groups of 10 or more) and are available at www.trybooking.com/BVNZF.
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Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
