Shirley Valentine Tickets

Duke of York's Theatre, London
Booking to 3 June 2023
Not currently booking

Sheridan Smith stars in Willy Russell’s joyous, feel-good comedy Shirley Valentine.

Multi-award winning actor Sheridan Smith returns to the West End starring in Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Shirley Valentine is the critically acclaimed, life-affirming story of a woman who got lost in marriage and motherhood, and who winds 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.’

Shirley Valentine is written by Willy Russell (Educating Rita, Blood Brothers) one of Britain’s greatest living dramatists.

Directed by Matthew Dunster, this new production of Shirley Valentine is playing a 15 week limited West End season at the Duke of York’s Theatre to 3 June 2023.

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What's the story of Shirley Valentine?

Shirley is a Liverpool housewife. Her kids have left home and she makes chips and egg for her husband while talking to the wall. Where has her life disappeared to? Out of the blue, her best friend offers her a trip to Greece for 2 weeks and she secretly packs her bags. She heads for the sun and starts to see the world, and herself, very differently.

Who is in the cast of Shirley Valentine?

Shirley Valentine stars Olivier Award-winning actress Sheridan Smith.

Who are the creative team of Shirley Valentine?

Shirley Valentine is written by Willy Russell (Educating Rita, Blood Brothers).

The director is Matthew Dunster, with design by Paul Wills, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.

The show is produced by David Pugh. 


Reviews of Shirley Valentine

★★★★★ " Sheridan Smith gives the performance of the year so far" - The Independent
★★★★★ "Sheridan Smith is a transcendent one-woman Shirley Valentine" - The Financial Times
★★★★★ "Sheridan Smith is the ultimate leading lady" - Sunday Times
★★★★★ "Sheridan Smith is wall to wall sunshine, a one-woman pina colada with a cocktail umbrella!" - Daily Mail
★★★★ "Sheridan Smith is tremendous - TimeOut
★★★★ "Sheridan Smith’s charm conquers all" - The Times
★★★★ "Sheridan Smith is a retro triumph as Shirley Valentine" - The Telegraph
★★★★ "Sheridan Smith disarms and dazzles with heart and soul" - The Guardian
★★★★ "Sheridan Smith blossoms before our eyes" - Daily Express
★★★★ "Sheridan Smith is a dazzling triumph" - i News
★★★★ "She is a surefire hit" - The Observer

Read more reviews


Show Information

Performance dates
Booking to 3 June 2023
Performance days
Evenings: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Matinees: Wednesday, Saturday

Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.


Show Photos


Show Videos


Venue Information

Duke of York's Theatre, 45 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4BG
Nearest Tube or Train: Leicester Square (Northern line, Piccadilly line), Charing Cross (Northern line, Bakerloo line), Embankment (Northern line, Bakerloo line, District line, Circle line)
Nearest Buses: 14, 19, 22, 24, 29, 38, 40, 176
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Ticket Information

Official London Theatre tickets for  Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre, London

Book tickets to Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre, London with WestendTheatre.com. You will be purchasing official London theatre tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.


News about Shirley Valentine

Shirley Valentine starring Sheridan Smith – new pictures
The hit West End revival of Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine starring Sheridan Smith has posted new production images. The pictures show Sheridan Smith playing the title character in Willy Russell's one-woman comedy, which is running at the Duke of York's Theatre in London until 3 June 2023. SHIRLEY VALENTINE. Sheridan Smith. Photo Helen Murray The show has proved box-office gold at the Duke of York's, with producer David Pugh saying: “I’m delighted with this incredible success that Sheridan is having in Willy Russell’s wonderful play. As a theatre producer, we are nothing without our theatrical angels (investors) and these last few years have been tough, as they have been for many people, so this success in the West End should be heralded from the rooftops of the theatre.” Sheridan Smith said: “Shirley Valentine is a dream part to play and going in every night and seeing not one empty seat has made my return to the West End so wonderful. We’re now releasing the final seats so I do hope that everybody who wants to come will be able to.” London theatre critics have loved 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. Sheridan Smith. Photo Helen Murray 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, designed by Paul Wills, with lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph and is produced by David Pugh. Book tickets to Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre in London
Stage Spy: Sheridan Smith on tour with Shirley Valentine?
Rumours are hitting theatreland that Sheridan Smith may be taking her Shirley Valentine one-woman powerhouse play on a UK tour. The show has done great business at the Duke of York's Theatre on St Martin's Lane in the West End, with the stage and screen star giving the performance of her life in Willy Russell's classic comedy. The Sun is reporting that Sheridan could get up to half a million pounds for a UK tour, produced by David Pugh. He told the The Sun on Sunday this weekend that: “I want to bring Shirley to the people, but only if it’s Sheridan. She is perfect in every way. Sheridan has been inundated with film and TV offers because of the success of Shirley. Her agent is on holiday but I think they’re going to have a look at all these wonderful offers. But if we could take Sheridan as Shirley around the country I would love to. There hasn’t been an empty seat yet. Sheridan hasn’t missed a laugh.” Apparently early discussions are underway with regional theatres, to see if a big UK tour would be viable. It also needs to dovetail with Sheridan's filming committments. The play has scored incredible reviews from the London theatre critics, including five-star reviews from The FT, Independent, Sunday Times and Daily Mail. Shirley Valentine is running at the Duke of York's Theatre until 3 June 2023. A very limited number of tickets are still on sale for the show - with best availability on selected dates in May. Shirley Valentine tickets at the Duke of York's Theatre
Shirley Valentine breaks box-office records at the Duke of York’s; Watch an interview with Sheridan Smith
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.’ https://twitter.com/davidsoho1/status/1630914997869051907 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
First Look: Sheridan Smith in rehearsals for Shirley Valentine
Rehearsal images of Sheridan Smith have been released ahead of this week's opening of Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre in London. Directed by Director Matthew Dunster (2.22 A Ghost Story), this starry revival of Willy Russell's award-winning comedy is running at the Duke of York's for 15 weeks - from 17 February to 3 June 2023. The original run was three weeks shorter, but more dates have recently been added due to exceptional demand. This revival of Shirley Valentine is Sheridan Smith's first West End performance since she starred in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium in 2019. The stage and screen star is well-known through her work, including playing Cilla Black in ITV drama "Cilla", and recent movie "The Railway Children Return". Shirley Valentine is a one-woman comedy about a middle-aged, working-class housewife from Liverpool who dreams of another more exciting life, and gets it when she goes on holiday to Greece. Shirley is feeling lost and stuck in her daily routine: her family takes her for granted and she feels isolated and undervalued. She also finds herself cooking the same meal for her emotionally distant husband every single night - and even talking to the walls for company! But Shirley's life takes a sudden turn when her best friend wins a trip to Greece and Shirley decides to join her. In Greece, she rediscovers her passions and a newfound sense of self, leading her to make the bold decision to not return home. Instead, she stays in Greece, finds a job, and starts living a life where she is true to herself and finally happy. Book tickets to Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre in London [ngg src="galleries" ids="1030" display="pro_tile"] Photos by Helen Murray
Sheridan Smith extends Shirley Valentine run in the West End
Sheridan Smith has extended her run in Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre in London. The West End revival of Willy Russell's classic one-woman comedy will now play 15-weeks from 17 February 2023 until 3 June 2023, adding 3-weeks with 8 performances a week. Shirley Valentine is a comedy about a middle-aged, working-class housewife from Liverpool who dreams of another more exciting life, and gets it when she goes on holiday to Greece. The revival will have a new feminist twist, but will still be true to Willy Russell's original play. Producer David Pugh said: “Both Sheridan and Shirley seem to have been taken into people's hearts, and whereas we might not be playing arenas like Peter Kay, but, like him, we are keeping seat prices down due to the cost of living with reduced price previews and no booking fees, allowing theatre to again be completely accessible to more people.” Sheridan Smith said, “I am so chuffed by the response that I’m playing Shirley Valentine in the West End. You guys are incredible, and the demand has been so much that I’ve decided to extend for an extra three weeks. So, come and see me as Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York’s Theatre. See you there!” Video: Sheridan Smith announcing 3-week extension Sheridan's recent TV projects have included a TV adaptation of David Walliams' Gangsta Granny Strikes Again, also starring Walliams; and Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything for Sky. Sheridan Smith was last on stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium in 2019 playing the Narrator, and prior to that in Funny Girl at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Savoy Theatre. Other stage roles include Michael Grandage's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2013 at the Noël Coward Theatre, and Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic in 2012. She has won two Olivier Awards - for Legally Blonde and Flare Path. Director Matthew Dunster is a three-time Olivier Award nominated director whose most recent work has included Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen on Broadway, and 2.22 A Ghost Story at the Criterion Theatre, and moving to the Lyric starring Cheryl in January. Book tickets to Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre in London
Sheridan Smith to star in Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York’s Theatre
Stage and screen star Sheridan Smith will play Shirley Valentine at the West End's Duke of York's Theatre in London, directed by Matthew Dunster. This major new revival of Willy Russell's classic one-woman comedy will play the Duke of York's from 17 February 2023 for a 12 week season until 3 June 2023. There has been much rumour about Shirley Valentine coming back to London, and even Sheridan herself speculated about returning to the West stage in 2023. Shirley Valentine is a comedy about a middle-aged, working-class housewife from Liverpool who dreams of another more exciting life, and gets it when she goes on holiday to Greece. The revival will have a new feminist twist, but will still be true to Willy Russell's original play. Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine was first performed 36 years ago, with Pauline Collins starring in the original West End production at the Vaudeville Theatre directed by Simon Callow, and winning a Best Actress Olivier Award in 1988 for the role. She also took the play to Broadway, scoring a Best Actress Tony Award, and then made the hit movie version. Shirley Valentine also won a Best New Comedy Olivier Award. Shirley Valentine is actually coming back to the Duke of York's Theatre as it was the home of the first West End revival of the production in 1989, starring Hannah Gordon, then Paula Wilcox, Elizabeth Estensen, and Kate Fitzgerald. Sheridan's recent TV projects have included a TV adaptation of David Walliams' Gangsta Granny Strikes Again, also starring Walliams; and Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything for Sky. Sheridan Smith was last on stage in the West End in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium in 2019 playing the Narrator, and prior to that the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of Funny Girl, which transferred to the Savoy Theatre. Her last dramatic stage role was starring with David Walliams in Michael Grandage's West End production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2013 at the Noël Coward Theatre, and Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic in 2012. She has won two Olivier Awards - for Legally Blonde and Flare Path. Director Matthew Dunster is a three-time Olivier Award nominated director whose most recent work has included Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen on Broadway, and 2.22 A Ghost Story at the Criterion Theatre, and moving to the Lyric starring Cheryl in January. Recent Shirley Valentine productions include a 2017 UK tour starring Jodie Prenger, and a Welsh production in 2022 starring Shelley Rees. Willy Russell is one of Britain's most successful playwrights, with his work in constant production, including Blood Brothers and Educating Rita. The Olivier and Tony award-winning producer of Shirley Valentine, David Pugh, said in a press statement: .“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.” 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!” Alongside Matthew Dunster as director, the creative team also includes design by Paul Wills, lighting design by Lucy Carter, and sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. Book tickets to Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre in London
Stage Spy: Sheridan Smith to star in Shirley Valentine in the West End?
Rumours are hitting town that stage and screen star Sheridan Smith is going to play Shirley Valentine in a West End revival of the Willy Russell classic. It has been 36 years since Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine was first performed, and the play went on to become a hit 1989 film starring Pauline Collins. The Sun newspaper has claimed the one-woman show is set for a revival in the West End. Sheridan speculated in the Summer that she was heading back to the West End, telling Simon Mayo that: "I have missed being on the stage, and actually I have accepted to do a play on the stage.” Shirley Valentine is about a middle-aged, working-class housewife from Liverpool who dreams of another more exciting life, and gets it when she goes on holiday to Greece. A source told The Sun that "Sheridan is perfectly cast. Everyone involved with the production is hugely excited. This is a total coup." Pauline Collins in Shirley Valentine The revival will have a new feminist twist, but will still be true to Willy Russell's original play. There's no current news on dates or theatre. Pauline Collins starred in the original West End production at the Vaudeville Theatre directed by Simon Callow, winning a Best Actress Olivier Award in 1988, before taking the show to Broadway to score a Best Actress Tony Award, and then making the movie. Shirley Valentine also won a Best New Comedy Olivier Award. Sheridan's next project is a TV adaptation of David Walliams' Gangsta Granny Strikes Again, also starring Walliams. Another of his acclaimed children's book, Demon Dentist, will get a West End run this Christmas at the Bloomsbury Theatre. Sheridan Smith was last on stage in the West End in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium in 2019 playing the Narrator, and prior to that the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of Funny Girl, which transferred to the Savoy Theatre. Her last dramatic stage role was starring with David Walliams in Michael Grandage's West End production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2013 at the Noël Coward Theatre, and Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic in 2012 - so it is high-time she took to the West End stage again to do a play. Recent Shirley Valentine productions include a 2017 UK tour starring Jodie Prenger, and a Welsh production in 2022 starring Shelley Rees. Willy Russell is one of Britain's most successful playwrights, with his work in constant production, including Blood Brothers and Educating Rita. Book tickets to Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York's Theatre in London

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