Sheridan Smith returns to West End in revival of Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine

Sheridan Smith is to return to the West End in a new production of Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine.

The Oliver and BAFTA award winner will star in the one-woman play at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre from Friday 17 February 2023 for 15 weeks to 3 June 2023. Tickets are on sale now here.

Directed by Matthew Dunster, the production will have design by Paul Wills, lighting design by Lucy Carter and sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.

Shirley Valentine is the joyous, life-affirming story of the woman who got lost in marriage and motherhood, the woman who wound up talking to the kitchen wall whilst cooking her husband’s chips and egg.

But Shirley still has a secret dream. And in her bag, an airline ticket. One day she may just leave a note, saying: ‘Gone! Gone to Greece.’

Book Shirley Valentine with Sheridan Smith tickets here »

Sheridan Smith said: “As a mum now myself I’m delighted to be playing theatre’s best-loved mum and I am honoured to be entrusted by Willy Russell to bring his Shirley to life once again in the West End. Now, to practice cooking chips and egg!”

David Pugh, the five-time Olivier Award winning and Two-time Tony Award winning Producer added: “Back in 1986 I was lucky enough to see the first ever production of Shirley Valentine in Liverpool. I have begged Willy to one day let me produce a revival of Shirley Valentine when the casting was right. That day is now and both Willy and I believe that Sheridan Smith is the perfect Shirley Valentine.”

Shirley Valentine first premiered in 1986 at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool before moving to the West End in 1988, winning Willy Russell his third Olivier Award. The play also ran on Broadway, picking up two Tony Awards.

For more information, visit shirleyvalentineonstage.com