Shirley Valentine End revival. A West End transfer of the Menier Chocolate Factory production ran at the Trafalgar Studios from 20 July - 30 October 2010. Meera Syal reprised her role as Shirley; this production was adapted and broadcast by BBC Radio Four in 2010 and 2017. A 30th Anniversary Tour, starring Jodie Prenger ran in the UK from March 2017 to November 2017. Prenger was met with rave reviews. Russell adapted his play for a 1989 film version, directed by Lewis Gilbert, with Collins again playing the title role. Shirley Valentine Shirley Valentine is a one-character play by Willy Russell. Taking
Educating Rita (film) instead have children. Rita struggles to fit into a new educated middle-class existence in academia, while seeking a 'better song to sing'. Rita's original preconceptions that the educated classes have better lives and are happier people are brought into question throughout the film through Frank's failing social life and alcoholism and also her flatmate Trish's attempted suicide. Rita, her search, and her search's meaning for her, all evolve as she adapts to academia and grows as a person. Lewis Gilbert says it was difficult to raise finance for the film. "Columbia wanted me to cast Dolly Parton as Rita". Julie