Audition Notice for “Shirley Valentine”
One woman play by Willy Russell in our Studio on Wednesday 30th July to Saturday 2nd August 2025
Auditions will take place on Sunday 13th April from 11 am
Meet in the Theatre bar – Auditions will be in the Studio.
Characters:
Shirley Valentine – female age (ideally) 35 – 55 years (actual age in script is 42)
About the play:
I have long had a “little dream” to direct this play, mainly due to the fact that the themes resonated with me as I became the wife, the mother and then what? Many will be familiar with the 1989 film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. The stage play is the original one woman show and requires a confident actor who can capture the audience with Shirley’s humour, personality and struggles in life.
The play has two Acts and three scenes. The first two scenes are set in Shirley’s kitchen where we learn about her life, past and present, relationships with family, husband and friends. Shirley is planning to go on holiday abroad (for the first time) to Greece with a friend but hasn’t told husband Joe. Shirley shares her thoughts, desires and worries with the audience and her closest associate in the house “wall”. The final scene takes place in Greece and Shirley discovers her identity and zest for life once again.
Due to the sheer volume of script that the actor needs to learn the auditions will take place early to enable the rehearsal process to commence. Initially this will be two sessions a week to mutually suit the actor and production team. This will increase to four rehearsals a week from mid to late June. You must be available for all 4 performances.
If you are interested in auditioning then please contact me for a copy of the audition pieces. There are two pieces and you should choose one of these to perform at audition. I would like auditionees to learn their chosen piece before the actual audition. Don’t worry, complete accuracy is not required, we will be there to prompt if needed. Learning the piece indicates a commitment to the task and also allows you to think about how to perform the piece including accent and different voices for different characters. The play is set and written in a Scouse accent; however, I am open to other interpretations of the script (accent wise).
Any questions then please contact me Kath Townsend either by email: kaf_townsend@hotmail.com or by phone 07534322805. I look forward to hearing from budding Shirley Valentines.
