Shirley

What our readers said

It explores an explosive dynamic between mother and daughter (both characters are very young) who seem to hate each other, essentially because they have been abused and let down by the men in their lives. It also explores both of their desires for sex from men, almost as currency and a way to control men.

What’s it like reading this play now? Hows it aged? What does it speak to?

‘Shirley’ erupts immediately off the page and it felt shocking (and thrilling!)  This play doesn’t stop for one moment, all of the characters dare to keep pushing at each other and that’s what I felt made it such a zippy read, they all have a force, to keep poking and pushing – because they have very little to lose. I feel it would directly speak to an audience today – the cost of living crisis!

What did is it tell us about the past and present?

The way The Mother and Shirley openly talk about domestic violence towards women in the home by their partners screamed off the page because it had such an air of normality about it. There has been a massive shift since me too, I wonder how it would resonate now?

What films or music does it make you think of?

Films: I, Daniel Blake. This is England, Blue Bag Life
Music: Love Will Tear us apart again by Joy Vision