Shirley Valentine breaks box-office records
Watch an interview with Sheridan Smith, and director Matthew Dunster
The producer of Shirley Valentine starring Sheridan Smith has revealed that the hit show has broken box-office records at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London.
Veteran theatre producer David Pugh said that the show has taken an advance of over four million pounds at the box-office.
Shirley Valentine formerly opened last night, Wednesday 1 March 2023, at the Duke of York’s Theatre, and the audience gave it a riotous reception.
London theatre critics also praised the show, with the Financial Times, the Independent and Daily Mail all giving the show five-stars. Read our reviews round-up of Shirley Valentine here.
Shirley Valentine is billed as 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.’
The play, which first premiered in 1986, is written by acclaimed British playwright Willy Russell (Educating Rita, Blood Brothers), and this production is directed by 2:22: A Ghost Story’s Matthew Dunster.
Video: Sheridan Smith talks Shirley Valentine
Director Matthew Dunster and actor Sheridan Smith filmed an interview as part of the promotion for Shirley Valentine, discussing the importance of playwright Willy Russell, the role of Shirley, Matthew’s inspiration for the play and Shirley, and how Sheridan has approached the role.
Shirley Valentine Booking information
Shirley Valentine is running at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London until 3 June 2023.
Book tickets to Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London
