Treat yourself to an evening of laugher, triumph, and a hilarious journey of rediscovery.
Norma Sheahan, one of Ireland's leading dramatic actors, returns to the Gaiety with her “sell-out performance” of Willy Russell's effervescent and iconic character SHIRLEY VALENTINE.
Meet Shirley, a 45-year-old housewife, trapped in a dreary marriage and humdrum life. As she prepares her husband’s dinner - egg and chips - Shirley wonders when she lost her hopeful, youthful self.
Feeling isolated, she resorts to full-blown (although somewhat one-sided) conversations with her bestie – her kitchen wall and dreams of excitement beyond her grim role as “St. Joan of the fitted units".
So, when an unexpected chance to travel to Greece appears, Shirley takes a leap, digs deep into her flagging confidence and discovers it’s never too late to reclaim your dreams, your joy, and yourself.
The production promises laughter, poignancy, and an unforgettable evening with one of theatre’s most iconic characters.
First performed in 1986, Shirley Valentine has won an Olivier Award for Best Comedy, a Tony Award for Best Play, and inspired an Oscar-nominated film. Its themes of self-discovery, love, and freedom continue to resonate powerfully with audiences today.
This iconic production directed by Michael Scott starring Norma Sheahan as Shirley, returns to the Gaiety Theatre following its previous sell-out runs there.
Directed By Michael Scott
Designed By Michael McCaffery
Produced by
CTD:City Theatre Dublin
and. Mullingar Centre for the Performing Arts
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2026 dates
16th April 2026
Mullingar Centre For The Performing Arts
18th April 2026
Esker Arts Centre - Tullamore
23rd April 2026
Limetree Theatre Limerick
24th April 2026
TBA
25th April 2026
Backstage Theatre Monaghan
30th April
Siamsa Tire - Tralee
1st May 2026
Watergate Theatre - Kilkenny
2nd May 2026
Cork Opera House
5th - 9th May
Gaiety Theatre Dublin
15th May 2026
Theatre Royal - Waterford
16th May 2026
Moat Theatre - Naas
21st May 2026
Townhall Theatre - Galway
22nd May 2026
TBA
23rd May 2026
Hawkswell Theatre - Sligo
7th November
An Tain Theatre - Dundalk