You may have seen her perform on stage and through the TV, but this year, Aussie icon Natalie Bassinghwaighte is taking on a new character in the award-winning comedy Shirley Valentine.
Performing at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 19-23 March, the one-woman play written by Willy Russell and directed by Lee Lewis tells the much-loved, inspiring and hilarious story of Shirley, a middle-aged, working-class Liverpool housewife stuck in a life of routine. Dreaming of an escape, when a friend invites her on a spontaneous holiday to Greece, she takes a bold leap into the unknown.
Inspired by the 1989 film of the same name, Shirley is brought to life by Bassinghwaighte, known for her work in the film Elvis, iconic Aussie television series Neighbours and Underbelly, and on stage in Chicago and Jagged Little Pill.
“Having witnessed the response to the production in Melbourne and read the rave reviews, I’m thrilled audiences in Canberra will now be able to experience this heartwarming and timeless classic starring the formidably talented Natalie Bassingthwaighte,” says Canberra Theatre Centre Director, Alex Budd.
“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,” says Director, Lee Lewis.
“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.”
Pre-sale tickets for Shirley Valentine begin on Tuesday 17 February before general sale on Wednesday 18 February.
To find out more, visit Canberra Theatre Centre.
