The hit comedy by the writer of Blood Brothers and Educating Rita is back and visiting Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre on Sunday, March 20.
Merthyr in the 90s: Cool Cymru has landed and for the youngsters life has never been so good; it’s Stereophonics, Catatonia and alcopops all the way for them.
Not for our Shirl. Shirley’s a girl who thinks her best days might be behind her, the years of drudgery and chips and egg have taken their toll. But Shirley’s about to take a leap into the unknown that will rock her world. Join her as she leaves her home for a fun-filled fortnight in Greece that will change her life forever.
Starring Shelley Rees (BBC Radio Cymru, Pobol Y Cwm), Shirley Valentine is the life-enhancing, feelgood comedy that we all need right now. Suitable for learners, fluent Welsh speakers and anyone in between.
On playing Shirley, Shelley said:
“I am delighted (and terrified) to be given the opportunity to play the iconic Shirley Valentine and I cannot wait to visit Milford Haven. This great play is poignant, uplifting and is an empowering journey and to be able to play Shirley through the medium of Welsh, throughout Wales, is a fantastic challenge and a great honour.”
A heart-warming play of self-discovery, Shirley Valentine was originally translated into Welsh in 1995, becoming a huge success for Theatre West Glamorgan. Its laugh out loud humour and frank discussion of female sexuality struck a chord with audiences across Wales. Translator Manon Eames explains:
“Revisiting Shirley Valentine to translate in 2021 has been a complete joy. The humanity, wit and pathos in the play is as relevant today as it was when Willy Russell first wrote it, back in the eighties, and Shirley’s character and story is still vibrant and resonant in whatever setting: the mark of a truly great piece of writing.”
Shirley Valentine will be the first production by Y Consortiwm Cymraeg, a new collaboration set up by award-winning Theatr na nÓg and three venues to present high-quality accessible Welsh language theatre. They also aim to produce a programme of participation for communities to improve their language skills and also engage in arts and culture on their doorstep. Theatr Soar in Merthyr Tydfil, The Welfare in Ystradgynlais and Maesteg Town Hall have joined forces with Theatr na nÓg to rekindle the vitality and value of their venues to their communities.
The Consortiwm’s wheels were already in motion pre the COVID pandemic, but as cultural centres locked down, it was thought that the need for these creative hubs was even greater – to help safeguard the future of Welsh language in the valleys, and to support a thriving valley community beyond the Covid Pandemic.
Geinor Styles, the director of Shirley Valentine and the artistic director of Theatr n nÓg explains:
“One of my earliest jobs as a stage manager was touring Shirley Valentine in 1994 with Theatre West Glamorgan. The reaction from the audiences, Welsh speakers and learners was incredible and it is something that has stayed with me - that intention for audiences from all backgrounds to have a good night out at a venue on their doorstep, in the Welsh language is a key aim for us at Theatr na nÓg and we look forward to welcoming audiences to enjoy this brilliant play.”
Shirley Valentine arrives at the Torch Theatre on Sunday, March 20 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £13.50 and £12.50 concessions. Don’t miss out on this highly anticipated new production. Get your tickets now! Call the Torch Theatre’s Box Office on 01646 695267, or book at http://www.torchtheatre.co.uk
This show is part of the National Lottery’s & UK Theatre’s Love Your Local Theatre campaign, where during the months of March and April when you buy a ticket for a participating show you get another free ticket courtesy of the National Lottery. For more information visit https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/special-offers