Shirley Valentine – Leeds Playhouse

If King Lear remains the biggest challenge for actors of a certain vintage, then the 15000 word solo monologue that is Shirley Valentine represents a similar mountain to climb for an actress.

Unlike playing the mad king this is one woman setting off on a two hour monologue, whilst also being asked to cook eggs and chips from scratch in front of a live audience. Playing frustrated housewife Shirley who finally breaks free of her shackles requires strong technique and iron nerve as there is nobody to pull you out of the mire if it goes wrong, and thankfully Mina Anwar has both.

Willy Russell’s greatest creation is a lonely eighties and frustrated Liverpool housewife who is reduced to having a running conversation with her kitchen wall before she bins her dim sexist husband. She heads off to find herself in all sorts of ways on a Greek island in a role made famous by Pauline Collins in the hit movie.   

This production originated at Bolton Octagon and Accrington born Mina Anwar pulled off a massive coup to persuade Russell that her Shirley should be the first not to be a Scouser. Even the most die-hard Shirley purist would have to agree that moving her kitchen a few miles up the M62 works, allowing Anwar to speak naturally in her own voice rather than adopting a cod Scouse accent.

Last time I saw Shirley live I did think submitting to her husband’s patriarchal yoke felt a bit old hat, as was the idea that a 42 year old mum of two couldn’t restart her life, but it’s funny how art can imitate life. Since then there’s been a wave of populism across the globe that is determined to take away women’s basic rights, and return them to the kitchen, which makes this revival timely and pertinent.

Away from the gender politics on this her 50th performance the vastly experienced Anwar is so immersed in the piece she makes you feel like every word is aimed directly into your heart.  She nails Russell’s gags – even the corny ones – winning a lot of knowing laughs from the audience. But there are dark moments too as Shirley battles free of her inner demons, but Anwar makes the poetry in Russell’s words really sing as she subtly manages the many tricky gear changes in Shirley’s evolution back into an independent woman

This was a passion project for the Octagon’s Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham who makes the most of Anwar’s gift for physical comedy constantly moving her round Su Newell’s depressing eighties kitchen set, and the brightly lit Greek beach in act two. This may be a monologue, but along the way Anwar is expected to play other characters, and there is a clear synergy between actor and director as both have resisted the temptation to overplay Shirley.

Shirley Valentine has always felt to me slightly disingenuous with its core argument that you should just blithely follow your dreams, and hang the cost. It’s a tribute to Mina Anwar’s easy charm and utter commitment to her character, with not an error over two hours, that I ended up cheering on Shirley’s bravery and choices.

Shirley Valentine is at Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 26th April. To book 0113 2137700 or www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Reviewer: Paul Clarke

Reviewed: 8^th April 2025

North West End UK Rating: