Liverpool Everyman has extended the run of its critically-acclaimed hit production of Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine.
Originally scheduled to run March 29, the production will now continue until April 5 in response to "demand, standing ovations and glowing reviews for Helen Carter’s performance as Shirley".Â
The theatre goes one better on April 2 with a special fund-raising event, An Evening with Willy Russell. which will see the legendary playwright sit down with director Stephen Fletcher to discuss his career, the Everyman, and the considerable legacy of Shirley Valentine and his other plays.Â
The current production marks a fitting finale to the Everyman’s 60th anniversary season, with Willy Russell having been closely involved for five decades. As one of the most celebrated and widely produced writers of his generation, Russell’s connection to the Everyman has been strong since the theatre ran his breakthrough play, John, Paul, George, Ringo… & Bert in 1974, before it went on to London and took Russell into the British theatre stratosphere.
Other Russell Everyman productions include Breezeblock Park (1975) and Stags and Hens (1978). After the global success of Blood Brothers and Educating Rita, Russell returned to the Everyman in 1986 with Shirley Valentine, cementing his legacy.Â
Mark Da Vanzo (CEO) and Nathan Powell (creative director) said: “There’s been such a phenomenal response to Shirley Valentine’s homecoming. And we’re incredibly grateful to Willy Russell for his support of this revival and for his generosity towards our fund-raising campaign: Our Evening with Willy Russell will be a very special night."
More info and tickets for the extended run and the Russell evening here