Some stories never lose their sparkle, and Shirley Valentine is one of them. Willy Russell’s iconic one-woman play first graced the stage in 1986, winning the hearts of audiences with its wit, warmth, and wonderful storytelling. Now, 40 years later, the Octagon Theatre in Bolton has brought it back with a fresh Lancashire twist. Originally staged at Bolton’s Library Theatre in 2020, this critically acclaimed production returns with Mina Anwar once again in the title role, directed by the Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham. With Russell’s blessing, the show swaps its traditional Liverpool setting for Accrington, making it even more relatable to its Northern audience.
Shirley Bradshaw (formerly Valentine) is a housewife who has lost herself somewhere between cooking egg and chips and talking to the kitchen wall. Her kids have flown the nest, her husband Joe expects dinner on the table like clockwork, and Shirley feels like life has passed her by. But when her best friend offers her a ticket to Greece, she takes a leap of faith, leaving a note on the kitchen table and jetting off to rediscover the woman she used to be. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming journey of self-discovery, as Shirley swaps her apron for adventure, proving it’s never too late to chase happiness.
The stage is cleverly designed to transport the audience from Shirley’s everyday world to the sun-drenched paradise of Greece. The first act places us firmly in her kitchen, complete with a working hob where she fries real eggs, a fryer for cooking chips, and running water from the taps—adding a touch of authenticity that makes her monologue feel all the more real. The transformation to Greece in the second act is beautifully executed, with lighting shifting from the warm glow of a domestic kitchen to the golden hues of a Mediterranean sunset. The simple but effective set change allows the audience to feel as if they, too, have escaped to a sun-soaked taverna, with sound effects of waves and distant chatter completing the illusion.
There’s only one person on stage, but with Mina Anwar at the helm, you’d swear there were dozens. Anwar is sensational as Shirley, effortlessly embodying every character she talks about—from her grumpy husband Joe to her glamorous old school rival turned high-class hooker. Her comic timing is impeccable, drawing belly laughs one moment and misty eyes the next. She makes Shirley feel like an old friend, a neighbour you’ve had countless cups of tea with, and someone you’re rooting for from start to finish. The decision to reset the play to Lancashire is a stroke of genius, making Shirley’s story feel even more personal for local audiences. Anwar’s natural warmth and relatability shine through, ensuring that Shirley’s journey is one the audience takes right alongside her.
Some plays entertain, some plays move you, and some plays feel like a warm hug—Shirley Valentine is all three. This Octagon Theatre production is a beautifully crafted love letter to those who feel stuck in life, reminding us all that it’s never too late to pack a suitcase and rediscover ourselves. Mina Anwar is a force of nature, bringing charm, humour, and heart to every moment on stage. Whether you’re seeing Shirley Valentine for the first time or revisiting an old favourite, this is a must-see production that leaves you laughing, crying, and perhaps even looking up flights to Greece. If you need a reminder that life is for living, book a ticket now—you won’t regret it!
Shirley Valentine will be at The Octagon Theatre Bolton until Saturday, 8th March 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
Photo Credit - Craig Fuller
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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