It’s over 30 years since Willy Russell introduced audiences to Shirley Valentine, the bored, put-upon, 42-year-old, Liverpool housewife who rediscovers her zest for life on a surreptitious holiday in Greece. A role made famous by Pauline Collins.

A one-actor show must be the scariest for the performer and the toughest to bring off. When things go wrong, there’s no-one to hide behind and nobody else to take the blame. Not that any blame is required here, because Hanna Nixon’s performance last night at Gurnard Pines was totally absorbing. She kept the entire audience entranced throughout. Hanna showed excellent comic timing and her bubbly personality kept us thoroughly entertained. She also portrayed some moving moments which brought a tear to the eye.

I feel privileged to have been in the audience to watch Hanna’s brilliant performance. What a shame it was only for one night only as I could happily have watched her again!

Review by Jane Robert