Natalie Bassingthwaighte will lead Shirley Valentine in its limited four-day run in Sydney

• Popular one-character comedy play Shirley Valentine is heading to Sydney this October.
• The titular role will be played by acclaimed Neighbours actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
• Willy Russell’s one-woman play follows a middle-aged housewife as she leaves dreary Liverpool behind for Greece.

Willy Russell’s heartwarming and hilarious one-woman play Shirley Valentine has been a hit with audiences ever since it premiered in Liverpool in 1986. Since then, it’s gone on to play on Broadway and the West End, has won numerous Olivier Awards and Tonys, and was even adapted for the big screen.

It’s a one-character performance which centres around, you guessed it, Shirley, a middle-aged, working-class housewife from Liverpool in the UK. She’s stuck in a predictable and dreary routine—that is until a friend invites her on a spontaneous holiday to Greece. Leaving Liverpool far behind, she rediscovers her zest for life and her sense for self.

Popular Aussie actor and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte—known for playing Izzy Hoyland in Neighbours, as well as her chart-topping hits—takes the titular role and has already impressed audiences in three Australian cities. Amanda Muggleton played Shirley in three Australian revivals (1988-89, 1995 and 1998) and made sure to attend the opening night of Natalie’s performance in Melbourne earlier this year.

Although Natalie Bassingwaighte has big shoes to fill, her performances in Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra have garnered rave reviews from critics. If her previous shows are anything to go by, Natalie’s portrayal of Shirley promises to be dynamic and fresh, as she explores the hilarious but conflicted character.

Bring your girlfriends and laugh along as Shirley navigates her vibrant new life with a renewed sense of self.

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Shirley Valentine

Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 22-25. Wednesday and Thursday at 2pm and 7pm, Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm.
Price: From $59.

For more information, visit theatreroyalsydney.com