Manchester Theatre News & Reviews
REVIEW - Shirley Valentine is a warm, funny and moving production - Mina Anwar's performance truly captures the heart of the story
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On Wednesday, we were invited to The Octagon in Bolton to see Shirley Valentine. Read what our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston thought about this brilliant production...
You’ve probably heard of Shirley Valentine before, maybe the name rings a bell or you’ve seen the famous film adaptation. For me, it’s not really something I’m familiar with, so I wasn’t sure what to expect heading into this production at The Octagon Bolton.
Starring the brilliant Mina Anwar (Cinderella, The Book Thief, Spring and Port Wine) as Shirley Valentine, this special 40th-anniversary production brings a fresh twist to Willy Russell’s iconic story of self-discovery. Anwar returns to the role of Shirley, having taken on the part five years ago, and this adaption is the first time Shirley’s story has been told in a Lancashire accent, making it feel even more grounded and relatable for the Bolton audiences.
Willy Russell’s one-woman play follows Shirley Bradshaw, a middle-aged housewife stuck in a routine of cooking her husband’s dinner and talking to her kitchen walls. But when an unexpected invitation to Greece comes along, Shirley takes a chance to escape her mundane life and rediscover the vibrant, adventurous woman she used to be.
Mina Anwar’s return to the role of Shirley feels so natural. Her hilarious and heartfelt performance brings warmth, wit, and authenticity to the character, perfectly balancing sharp humor with moments of real vulnerability. Anwar’s Lancashire adaptation of Shirley gives the character a fresh, local feel, making her even easier to connect with, particularly as Anwar is from Lancashire herself. You feel as though Shirley is speaking directly to you, confiding in you about her hopes, dreams, and frustrations. It’s impossible not to root for her.
A simple but standout thing for me was how Anwar was making egg and chips on the stage. Peeling and chopping the potatoes, putting them in the deep fat fryer, cracking eggs into a hot pan and then serving up two plates. The smell of the food filled the auditorium, making it seem like we were all just sitting in Shirley’s kitchen and chatting away while she prepped the tea.
The set is simple but effective, with a functional kitchen and yellow walls. It then transforms into the sun-drenched beaches of Greece with the classic blue wood look for the second act.
What I loved most about this production was how universal Shirley’s story is. Her struggles with identity and the feeling of being “stuck” are themes that resonate, and her journey of self-discovery feels empowering without ever being preachy. Particularly as this is a story about a middle aged woman in the 80s, but it’s themes that are still relevant today. Mina Anwar’s performance truly captures the heart of the story - it’s uplifting, raw, and completely engaging. Even though it’s a one-woman play, you never feel like anything is missing. Anwar fills the stage with energy, and the people she describes feel as vivid as if they were right there with her.
The comedy is fantastic. There are moments that had the audience belly laughing with some great storytelling and brilliant one liners that cracked us up. Anwar’s timing is superb and she nailed the delivery of the comedic moments.
Celebrating the play’s 40th anniversary, this adaptation is a brilliant tribute to Willy Russell’s work while offering something new and exciting with Anwar’s Lancashire spin. It’s a testament to how timeless Shirley’s story is, and it feels as relevant today as it did four decades ago.
Shirley Valentine at the Octagon Theatre is a warm, funny, and moving production that celebrates the idea of taking risks and reclaiming your life. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Willy Russell’s work or, like me, discovering this story for the first time, this 40th-anniversary production is an absolute treat. If you’re after a theatre experience that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, this one’s not to be missed.
WE SCORE SHIRLEY VALENTINE...
Shirley Valentine is on at The Octagon, Bolton until Saturday 8th March 2025
