Natalie Bassingthwaighte to Star in Shirley Valentine at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre

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Renowned Australian actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte is set to take on the iconic role of Shirley Valentine in Willy Russell’s celebrated titular one-woman play, Shirley Valentine. Directed by Lee Lewis, this comedy will run at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 30 January to 16 February 2025 for a strictly limited season.

Shirley Valentine tells the story of a middle-aged Liverpool housewife stuck in the monotony of her daily routine. Dreaming of a more adventurous life, she unexpectedly gets the chance to rediscover herself when a friend invites her on a spontaneous trip to Greece. The play explores themes of courage, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness with humour and heart.

For more information on how to book tickets for this production, visit the Shirley Valentine Australian website.

Director Lee Lewis, former Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre, shared her enthusiasm for the production:

Before Fleabag, before Prima Facie, before RBG and Julia there was Shirley Valentine. Extraordinary women standing centre stage and telling the world that things have to change! Shirley was the original clarion call for women to break out of the boxes they had been shoved in and make a new deal with life filled with joy and potential. Shirley has a voice that still speaks to everyone about wanting more and believing in yourself. Shirley is the courage, the laughter, the friendship and the ballsiness we all hope to have when facing huge obstacles. She is the OG.

I cannot wait to see the spirit of Natalie Bassingthwaighte leap into the ocean of Shirley Valentine! Natalie brings an understanding of the courage and fight that has to live inside every woman who wants to live her best life. Yes it’s hard, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a great laugh along the way!

This production is currently only confirmed for Melbourne, and is presented by Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions.

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