Duke of York's Theatre

Book Shirley Valentine tickets to see Sheridan Smith in the classic rom-com

Sheridan Smith makes her long-awaited return to the West End stage in 2023, starring in Willy Russell’s uplifting rom-com Shirley Valentine. Smith delivers a joyful performance as the unappreciated housewife who jets off to Greece at the Duke of York’s Theatre. 

Shirley Valentine is a housewife who talks to the kitchen walls as she cooks her husband’s egg and chips. The dreams she had as a younger woman seem like a distant memory, replaced by a family who don’t appreciate her and the drudgery of daily life. But everything could change when her friend wins two tickets to Greece and invites her along. Shirley throws down her cooking utensils in favour of a sunny escape to the Mediterranean, and begins a life-changing adventure. 

Shirley Valentine is Willy Russell’s celebrated one-woman play, which many will remember from its 1989 film adaptation starring Pauline Collins. Playwright Russell’s other work includes Educating Rita and Blood Brothers. 

Olivier and BAFTA Award winner Sheridan Smith has starred in a host of West End shows including Funny Girl, Little Shop of Horrors and Legally Blonde. On television, she is known for portraying Cilla Black in biopic Cilla, as well as sitcoms Gavin & Stacey and The Royle Family. 

Shirley Valentine in London is directed by Olivier Award winner Matthew Dunster, whose most recent work, 2:22 A Ghost Story, has been wowing West End audiences at no less than three different theatres since 2021. 

Sheridan Smith steps into the globe-trotting, liberated shoes of a rom-com icon for this revival of the modern classic that teaches us all to follow our dreams. Don’t miss her latest star turn, as Shirley Valentine is open for a strictly limited season. 

Child friendly?

Shirley Valentine is recommended for ages 12+, and has some mild language and sexual references.