Leeds Playhouse to present the critically acclaimed smash-hit Shirley Valentine
The Editor
This April, Leeds Playhouse will present the critically acclaimed production of Willy Russell’s one-woman play and beloved British classic Shirley Valentine starring Mina Anwar. This hilarious Northern comedy plays in the Courtyard Theatre at Leeds Playhouse from 8-26 April 2025.
Mina Anwar is best known for her roles as Constable Maggie Habib in The Thin Blue Line and Gita Chandra in The Sarah Jane Adventures. After a sell-out run in 2020 the production, which is directed by Octagon Theatre Bolton’s artistic director Lotte Wakeham, is produced by the Octagon Theatre Bolton, and will be presented in Leeds by special arrangement, for a limited 3 week run.
Mina said: “I am so excited to be visiting Leeds Playhouse as part of our Shirley Valentine tour, in what will mark my Leeds Playhouse debut! Shirley is such an iconic character to play, and the production is having an incredible response from audiences here in Bolton with sell-out performances, in what marks 40 years of Willy Russell’s hilarious and moving one-woman show. Be sure to grab your tickets before it’s too late and I will see you there.”
Chief executive Shawab Iqbal said: “A huge thank you to Willy Russell for enabling us to share this classic comedy with our audiences. We can’t wait to welcome Mina Anwar and this Octagon Theatre Bolton production to Leeds Playhouse.”
Housewife Shirley feels stuck in a rut and frustrated now that the kids have flown the nest. Whilst making egg and chips for her husband, she can’t help but wonder what has happened to her life…
When the opportunity arises to leave her hometown behind for a holiday in Greece, she is off! Leaving a note on the kitchen table, Shirley heads to the sun to rediscover herself.
From the writer of Blood Brothers and Educating Rita, this critically acclaimed romantic comedy was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.
The creative team includes Set and Costume Designer Su Newell; Lighting Designer James Blakeman; Sound Designer Gerry Marsden; and Assistant Director Fraser Scott.
Shirley Valentine plays in Leeds Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre from 8-26 April 2025. Tickets are on sale now.
