Engaging, Emotional and just Wow!

If you`ve been around for as long as I have, you will remember the original Shirley Valentine production.  The 80`s hype around a new play by Willy Russell starring the darling of the theatre Pauline Collins was all over the news, tickets were selling out and the angst of a middle-aged woman (from a man`s perspective) was being brought to the fore.  A film soon followed which was also a British Blockbuster so taking this production on could have been either a dream or a nightmare.

When the curtains opened, we were shown a set of an 80`s kitchen.  But what a kitchen!  I would have loved that now in my own house let alone on stage!  There were gasps of the audience around me with one member clapping seemingly overjoyed at the scenery but just what scenery!  The worksmanship that had gone in to creating this kitchen area was thoughtful, ingenious and simply superb!  Really set the first half of the production and if the performance was half as good as that we were in for a treat!  A massive hurrah for the Set Construction Crew!

On came Shirley in her appropriate 80`s clothes (where they sourced those from I have no idea but scarily reminiscent!).  A massive well done to the Wardrobe Department here!  Now, the film would lead you to believe that a full cast was going to be on stage but upon seeing the programme, only Jo Foley was performing as Shirley Valentine, no one else on stage taking this production from a play to a monologue and boy what a monologue.

Jo Foley as Shirley engaged with the audience and I felt being drawn in to her story, taking me with her whilst she was making her egg and chips, talking about how her life began and where she ended up.  This may seem humdrum on paper, but to walk out the theatre having been a party to Shirley`s life affirming changes before, during and after her first overseas holiday was truly remarkable.  Anyone can read lines from a script but to make the words live, to enthuse the emotions of Shirley well, I can only stand up and applaud Jo Foley.

Not only understanding that this was a one woman show, the dialogue to learn must have been daunting but without only a few minor slips, Jo took the challenge and has left me in awe of her portrayal of Shirley Valentine.  The best performance I have seen for a long time.  

Again, for only £10 a ticket, theatre goers are getting a bargain and this performance could in no way be classed as amateur.  This show could run as a touring show and would again get the aplomb it deserves.  

Directed thoughtfully by Sarah Wilkins and Rachel Jefferson, Stage Managed by Lynne Payne and Sue Jones.  All the backstage hands from construction to lighting helped to create a masterpiece that for a new season start at the Oldbury Rep, will be hard to beat.

Tickets available from www.oldburyrep.org or call 0121 552 2761

By Linda Harper-Hocknull