Natalie Bassingthwaighte Shines as the Leading Lady in ‘Shirley Valentine’
Natalie Bassingthwaighte has cemented her status as a leading lady in the theatrical world with her stunning performance in the one-woman show ‘Shirley Valentine’, which opened last Thursday night at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne. This two-hour emotional journey, filled with laughter and emotion, showcases Natalie’s incredible ability to captivate an audience single-handedly. At first, I was thinking how she is going to pull off a full 2 hours and keep us entertained, let alone learn all those lines.
From the moment she appears in her kitchen on the stage, Natalie embodies the essence of Shirley, a middle-aged housewife with dreams that stretch far beyond her kitchen walls. As she prepares a simple meal of chips and eggs literally with the smell wafting out to the audience, we are treated to a hilarious yet poignant monologue that reveals Shirley’s inner thoughts and desires. With every line, Natalie draws us deeper into Shirley’s world, where mundane routines collide with vivid aspirations of escape and adventure.
What makes Natalie’s portrayal so impressive is not just her ability to memorise an extensive script, but her seamless delivery that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Her comedic timing and relatable storytelling breathe life into Shirley’s character, allowing us to laugh with her, empathise with her struggles, and ultimately celebrate her journey of self-discovery.
As the plot unfolds, we witness Shirley’s transformation sparked by an unexpected invitation to Greece from a friend. In a stunning twist, she realizes that life has so much more to offer than the confines of her domestic routine. Natalie’s performance captures the essence of rediscovery, inspiring us all to chase our dreams and break free from the limitations we place upon ourselves.
Nat told Melbourne’s Megan Castran, “you have to know what you’re doing, it’s terrifying. A week ago, I didn’t see it coming together but here it is. I feel comfortable now, with a little nervy tummy. We all get to a point and say to ourselves, where do we go, what happened.”
In a world where it’s easy to feel stuck in the daily grind, Shirley Valentine’s story resonates deeply. Natalie Bassingthwaighte, with her remarkable talent and magnetic stage presence, reminds us that it’s never too late to embrace life’s adventures.
Written by Melinda Sullivan
On for three weeks only, please visit https://shirleyvalentine.com.au
