Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Book now

Shirley Valentine

1 March-5 April 2025
Date
Time
Session Features
01 Mar 2025
7:30 pm-9:30 pm
03 Mar 2025
7:30 pm-9:30 pm
04 Mar 2025
7:30 pm-9:30 pm
05 Mar 2025
7:30 pm-9:30 pm
06 Mar 2025
7:30 pm-9:30 pm

See website for more sessions

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman
Image courtesy of Andrew AB Photography.
Book now

Willy Russell’s one-woman show Shirley Valentine plays at Liverpool Everyman, bringing the perfect ending to the theatre’s 60th birthday year.

A special production for the Everyman, the iconic show was originally commissioned by the theatre back in 1986 as part of 21st birthday celebrations. Directed by Glen Walford and starring Noreen Kershaw, the show enjoyed huge success and an extended run at the Everyman, before it was adapted into the popular 1989 film, starring BAFTA-winning Pauline Collins. Many have experienced the movie – now audiences will get to see the Willy Russell play on which the film was based.

Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman
Image courtesy of Andrew AB Photography.

Deeply moving and life-affirming, Shirley Valentine charts the story of one woman’s journey towards self-discovery, laughter and liberation. At age 42, with an empty nest, an emotionally distant husband and only ‘the wall’ for company, Shirley is desperate for a change in her life. So, when her best friend offers her a trip to a Greek island, Shirley jumps at the chance. Can her dreams of a life less ordinary finally come true?

Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman
Image courtesy of Andrew AB Photography.

This sharp and timely revival of Shirley Valentine stars Everyman and Playhouse favourite Helen Carter, who recently appeared at Liverpool’s Royal Court in Boys from the Blackstuff. It will be directed by Stephen Fletcher, who has previously performed in three Willy Russell plays: Breezeblock Park, Our Day Out and Stags and Hens.

Of the show, Willy Russell told us, “I’m delighted to be back at the Everyman, a theatre that holds a special place in my heart. As it has done for so many writers, actors and directors in its 60-year history, the Everyman gave me my first opportunities as a writer. I can’t wait to work with Helen and Stephen on bringing the play back home and seeing Shirley strut her stuff across the boards on which she was born”.

We can’t think of a better show to conclude Liverpool Everyman’s 60th birthday celebrations. Shirley Valentine is the perfect production to mark the theatre’s achievements – six decades of championing emerging theatre-makers, crafting timeless classics and making all-around brilliant shows. A nod to the past and an inspiring look to the future.

Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine

Where to go near Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman

City Centre
Restaurant
The Pen Factory

From the team behind the old Everyman Bistro comes The Pen Factory, a warm and welcoming space situated in the basement of the Annex Building.

The garden at Free State Kitchen
City Centre
Restaurant
Free State Kitchen

With a large beer garden and commitment to using locally sourced produce, Free State Kitchen in Liverpool isn’t just-another-burger-joint.

Liverpool
Restaurant
Vetch

Fine dining restaurant, serving beautiful food on Liverpool’s Hope Street.

Photo of Frederiks bar
City Centre
Bar or Pub
Frederiks

Frederik’s neighbourhood kitchen & bar has been the hub of the Georgian Quarter since 2013. Award winning cocktails and a great Sunday roast!

hotel 1
Liverpool
International Inn

A pleasant and affordable place to stay in Liverpool, International Inn is hidden away in a quiet street but still close to everything you need.

City Centre
Restaurant
92 Degrees Coffee

Since 2015, 92 Degrees have been roasting and serving the finest coffee, whilst providing a friendly atmosphere in a comfortable space.

Abercromby Square, city parks, urban gardening
Park
Abercromby Square

Abercromby Square in Liverpool was built as a communal garden for the rectangle of 19th-century houses that surround it.

What's on: Theatre

Free Activity at Aviva Studios
Until
ComedyManchester
Free Activity at Aviva Studios

From comedy nights to drop-in family craft sessions, Factory International bring an accessible and inclusive programme of events this spring – the best thing, it’s all free.

Free entry
Myra's Story at Lowry
TheatreSalford
Myra’s Story at Lowry

Direct from London’s West End, a critically acclaimed play shining a light on homelessness, addiction and resilience through one woman’s unforgettable story.  

From £28.50
Static at Unity Theatre.
TheatreCity Centre
Static at Unity Theatre

Fiercely personal, Elaine Collins’ new semi-autobiographical solo show about memories, misfits and the messy side of showbiz is a must-see this May.

From £12.00
The Same Deep Water as You at PINK
ExhibitionsStockport
The Same Deep Water as You at PINK

Get involved in this artistic and ambitious takeover of PINK’s three-storey venue, weaving together live performance, video, sculpture and sound.

Free entry
TESS at HOME: A woman holds four planks over her head, watched on by three women.
DanceManchester
Tess at HOME

A bold, breathtaking fusion of circus and storytelling, Ockham’s Razor transform Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles into a visceral, visually stunning spectacle.

From £21.20

Culture Guides

Experience a unique deep listening art installation inviting audiences to lay down and be bathed in sound and light.
Exhibitions in the North

From city-wide art festivals to open-air sculptural installations, we have exhibitions from all around the North, both indoors and out.

Music in the North

Gigs are coming in hot this spring – from long-awaited returns to one-off happenings you’ll blink and miss if you're not careful.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Eclectic as ever. You'll find inventive reworkings, world-class contemporary dance and Greater Manchester's inaugural Improv Festival in our guide.

portrait of Lorsung in a dark shirt with dark hair and dark round glasses
Literature Events in the North

We've got laughs and we've got leftfield on the live literature radar this month. Something for everyone, from poets playing with form to short story writers looking long.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.