A COMEDIC play is set to grace the stage of the Mansfield Performing Arts Centre.
Shirley Valentine presented by the Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society (MMuDS) and starring Meredith Newman, tells the story of a working class Liverpool housewife before and after a transforming holiday abroad.
As she prepares chips and egg for dinner, she ruminates on her life and tells the wall about her husband, her children, her past, and an invitation from a girlfriend to join her on holiday in Greece to search for romance and adventure.
Ultimately, Shirley does escape to Greece, has an "adventure" with a local fisherman and decides to stay.
Shirley Valentine was written in the 80s, but the fundamental questions posed remain.
Director Karen Pirie said she has wanted to put on this show, being inspired by the adapted 1989 film starring Pauline Collins.
"I've always had this idea of this play in my head," she said.
"Almost everybody I know that saw the movie has [the story] stuck in their mind.
"I just happened to go and see a stage version of it done by a local theatre company and I thought it was even better."
Ms Pirie feels the story is particularly relevant after communities around the world experienced Covid lockdowns and were unable to leave their homes.
"We understand now what it's like to be a lonely housewife," she said.
This is the first time MMuDS has done a one person show and Ms Pirie admits it has been a big ask for star Meredith Newman.
"It's not a role you can audition for," she said.
She added the complexities of the role as well as the emotional journey the character of Shirley goes on have been perfectly encapsulated by Ms Newman.
"I think Meredith is amazing and she's perfect for it," Ms Pirie said.
"It's a really good show with a really good message."
