Tag: Willy Russell

Sheridan Smith hits 100 shows as Duke of York’s Shirley Valentine

Shirley Valentine, the West End production of Willy Russell’s comedy, has celebrated 100 performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

The milestone was marked tonight after a century of shows starring Sheridan Smith, all selling out (including standing room).

Shirley Valentine is the joyous, life-affirming story of the woman (Smith) who got lost in marriage and motherhood, the woman who wound up talking to the kitchen wall whilst cooking her husband’s chips and egg. But Shirley still has a secret dream. And in her bag, an airline ticket. One day she may just leave a note, saying: ‘Gone!  Gone to Greece.’

The show’s producer, David Pugh, said: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that in 100 performances every seat would be sold with every standing position filled. This is a phenomenal achievement for Sheridan Smith and Willy Russell and one as a producer I am so proud of.”

Shirley Valentine continues its run at the Duke of York’s Theatre until June 3, 2023, with limited seats available for the final weeks. Find tickets here.

SHIRLEY VALENTINE is written by Willy Russell, directed by Matthew Dunster, designed by Paul Wills, with lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph and is produced by David Pugh. 

Cast confirmed for Richmond’s Blood Brothers run

Niki Colwell Evans and Sean Jones have been confirmed in the lead roles of Blood Brothers, when it returns to Richmond Theatre this month.

They will continue in the roles of Mrs Johnstone and Mickey Johnstone, respectively, in Bill Kenwright’s legendary production of the musical.

The full cast for the 2023 tour includes Richard Munday (Narrator), Joe Sleight (Eddie), Paula Tappenden (Mrs Lyons), Olivia Sloyan (Linda), Timothy Lucas (Sammy), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Nick Wilkes (Policeman/Teacher), Gemma Brodrick (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Connor Bannister (Perkins), Josh Capper (Neighbour), Amy Murphy (Brenda) and Jacob Yolland (Bus Conductor).

Written playwright Willy Russell, Kenwright’s production passed the 10,000 performance mark in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.  

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.  

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children, she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. 

Evans first rose to fame in 2007 when she reached the semi-final of season four of The X Factor UK mentored by Louis Walsh. She played Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre between 2008-2009 and in 2010. She has also appeared in Kinky Boots as Trish (UK Tour 2018/21) and as Paulette in the musical adaptation of Legally Blonde (UK Tour 2012). 

Jones’ stage credits include Macbeth (UK Tour and Singapore) and Jacqueline’s Wilson’s world premiere of Wave Me Goodbye (Theatr Clwyd).

Blood Brothers will run at Richmond Theatre from February 21-25, 2023.