Shirley Valentine (film) to retain the best of Willy Russell's theatrical devices . . . while opening out the action to embrace a big-screen atmosphere. The supporting cast, particularly Bernard Hill as Collins's Neanderthal husband, is equally convincing, with only the hammy Conti (glistening teeth and appalling accent) striking a momentary false note." Among reviewers who found the film banal and hollow, Caryn James of "The New York Times" observed, "By adding all the characters and settings that Shirley only talks about on stage, the film reveals the weakness of Mr. Russell's script as surely as if a magician's clumsy assistant had pointed
Educating the East End 2011. Ten sixty-minute episodes were commissioned; the first eight were shown from September to October 2014 with the other two episodes acting as "specials". The original title for the series was "Educating Walthamstow" but shortly before transmission the title was changed to "Educating the East End". Before filming began Twofour advised Smith to get into contact with the headteachers of "Educating Essex" and "Educating Yorkshire". They both reportly gave advice on handling the attention and stayed in contact throughout the filming process. After the first episode was broadcast, "The Guardian" gave a favourable review, calling the show "funny, moving and