Two performances ONLY to benefit Gabriola Players.

In her most iconic role, popular Canadian actress Nicola Cavendish is bringing her Dora and Jessie Award winning portrayal of Shirley Valentine to Gabriola Island to conclude her 2012 nationwide tour.

Written by the incomparable British dramatist and screenwriter Willy Russell, this heartwarming and inspiring story brings to life an ignored and neglected, Liverpool housewife who makes a break from her mediocre existence with a life-changing trip to a Greek island. A hilarious and uplifting comedy that proves it’s never too late to live the life of your dreams.

When Shirley Valentine was staged in Calgary, Theatre Calgary’s Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum said, “Nicola Cavendish IS Shirley Valentine. I saw her play the role over 20 years ago and was mesmerized. Now she revives it with a new understanding of this wonderful housewife.” Adding, “You’ll laugh even louder and connect with her even more deeply. Nicola is one of the great actors of our country.”

British actress Pauline Collins first immortalized Shirley Valentine on stage in London’s West End, and on Broadway, New York, as a one-woman show, then later on screen playing opposite Tom Conti. Nicola Cavendish has, however, well exceeded the original London run of 324 performances, having now portrayed Shirley more than 600 times on stage across Canada and has recently confessed that perhaps it’s her time to retire the character for good. So don’t miss what may be one of the final opportunities to see Cavendish in a role that she’s made her own.

Where: Gabriola Community Hall – South Road

When:  Friday, May 25 at 7:00 / Saturday, May 26 at 2:00 (with Greek-themed refreshments)

Cost:      $20 ($18 for members of Gabriola Players)

Tickets: On sale at Artworks from Monday, May 7

“Nicola Cavendish deserved every bit of the thunderous, totally spontaneous standing ovation the audience greeted her with on opening night. This is acting of a rare beauty and you miss it at your own peril.” Vancouver Sun

“Five stars don’t seem adequate to honour Cavendish. One can’t imagine any performer bringing more lovable, saucy humanity to Shirley, or giving the character a stronger underpinning of decency, pluck and resilience.” Winnipeg Free Press