Pauline notches up 21 years as Shirley Valentine (From St Helens Star)

Pauline notches up 21 years as Shirley Valentine

8:35am Friday 7th September 2012 in Leisure By Stephen Mather, Senior reporter

FOR more than 20-years Pauline Daniels has made the character of down-trodden housewife Shirley Valentine her own.

Living in a world of kitchens, cooking and faded dreams, Shirley is living a dull, unexciting life, but when her best friend Jane offers her a two-week holiday in Greece she is faced with a life-changing decision.

Should she pack her bags and head for the sun, sea and taramasalata, or stay and endure her humdrum existence.?

Since its premier in 1986 Shirley Valentine has become a theatrical institution.

For Pauline’s 21st anniversary, author Willy Russell has given special permission to take the production to the stage in Merseyside for the only UK dates in 2012.

Pauline said: “I have played this role every year for the past 20 years, and this is the perfect venue for a perfect piece to celebrate my 21st year. I’m really looking forward to bringing my best friend Shirley home to Merseyside.”

The much-loved one-woman show continues to attract new generations of audiences. With the definitive Shirley taking to the stage for just five performances, this promises to be a performance you won’t want to miss.

Shirley Valentine is at the St Helens Theatre Royal from Thursday, September 13 to Sunday, September 16, at 7.30pm on Thursday to Saturday and 2pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.

Tickets are £15, with groups of 15 or more £12 each.

Book in person at the box office in Corporation Street, St Helens, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Alternatively call 01744 756 000 or visit sthelenstheatreroyal.com.