Shirley Valentine

As the curtain closed on Shirley Valentine, presented by KADS, a significant proportion of the audience remained in their seats, calling “Encore!” and “Shirley!” It was the first time that I had experienced that in Community Theatre in Perth, and is testament to the level of enjoyment experienced in the capacity audience.

Actress Jenny Howard McCann was a delightful choice to bring this iconic single hander to life. She makes a lovely Shirley, quickly establishing an easy rapport in this intimate theatre, giving Shirley warmth and familiarity.

Careworn and tired in Act One (and clearly suffering a real-life cold), Jenny Howard McCann, looked far less glamorous than the performer we usually see. The audience loved Shirley’s frank honesty and easy manner and she embodied the English wife and mother with great believability.

Act Two revealed a tanned, beautifully presented Shirley with greater confidence and a lovely sense of self. A beautiful transformation. The lovely storytelling continued and the audience were enthralled.

Very simply set, with minimal accoutrements, the minimalism allowed the focus to be clearly in the hands of the actor, who delivered a beautifully paced, well measured performance. Wonderful teamwork between actor and director/designer Jodi Cant, was clearly evident. Don Allen’s lighting was also simple but effective, providing a clear contrast between a dismal British kitchen and a sunny Greek beach.

This was a warm and gentle production that deserved its full houses and was clearly embraced by its patrons.

Kimberley Shaw