The 2008 production of Shirley Valentine at QUT Gardens Theatre saw a new leading lady playing the sole/title role of the Liverpool housewife who gets a new lease on life: Glenda Linscott.
Linscott is no stranger to the former ‘Shirley’ of the early 90’s, Amanda Muggleton, having both starred in the cult phenomenon TV drama of the 70s and 80s Prisoner - Linscott as tough bikie inmate Rita “The Beater” Connors.
We caught up with Glenda on the eve of the tour and found out all about her new role and what the character of Shirley has taught her.
What is it like being the only cast member?
Huge! Yes it’s been very confronting and challenging. I have always been cautious about one person shows, I believe that they often don’t work, they aren’t dramatic.
Shirley Valentine is an exception. People just fall in love with the character and her world – what is dramatic about it is that you see the character being changed by relationships.
It’s such a fantastic piece of theatre.
The journey for me as an actress is challenging to bring the world of Shirley to life for an audience.
Do you see any similarities between yourself and Shirley?
Yes, I personally connected to Shirley. I have struggled with my relationships, I have two children, I’m aware of the pressures to pay mortgage and get kids to school. At bottom of the list is you, and you end up saying “where have I gone?”
Shirley has taught me a lot, she’s allowed me to see where I’ve been frightened, how I’ve restrained myself in certain areas of my life. She had the courage to live and accept something for what it is and move on.
So I’m definitely learning things about myself by experiencing her journey.
What do you think audiences will get from the play?
I think the most marvellous thing about this play is that everyone can identify with this journey. Every single person who sees Shirley identifies with the struggle with pressures that society puts on everyone.
It’s made me think - who has got the rule book that says you have to live a meagre life?
Shirley was able to break out of that - she gets the opportunity to get away and makes all these discoveries, and I think she will inspire audiences.
Are you looking forward to bringing Shirley Valentine to Brisbane?
Yes - I’m so excited about taking Shirley to Brisbane audiences, it’s such a famous play that everyone loves.
Personally, I’m also really looking forward to coming to Brisbane; I’ve been there on holidays before, and I’d live in the Sunshine State if I could! My boys are 14 and 8 and they’re actually coming up to see me for the school holidays.
Shirley Valentine played at QUT Gardens Theatre from Thursday 3 July to Saturday 5 July 2008.
