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If Shirley Valentine was remade who would you cast?

84 replies

ToveJanssonsWife · 05/05/2024 19:32

I’m watching it now and wondering about it.
I wouldn’t want it to be remade of course, it’s perfect as it is!

My first thought was Olivia Coleman, but then immediately changed my mind, and now I can’t remember any actors at all!

OP posts:
ToveJanssonsWife · 05/05/2024 19:36

Helena Bonham-Carter as Marjorie would work.

OP posts:
LindorDoubleChoc · 05/05/2024 19:37

Not Olivia Coleman because she gets too many gigs.

Two English actors born in 1968 to 1972 (for Shirley and her husband) and a Greek actor of about the same age, I guess.

I think the Tom Conti character should be Greek or at least have Mediterranean heritage. It almost feels a bit "black face" that he played that part now, looking back.

MrsScrubbingbrush · 05/05/2024 19:38

Sadly you'd have to re-cast her husband as Bernard Hill very sadly passed away today.

User14March · 05/05/2024 19:39

How old was the character, Shirley, meant to be?

BigMandsTattooPortfolio · 05/05/2024 19:39

42, I think.

Spottedshell · 05/05/2024 19:39

User14March · 05/05/2024 19:39

How old was the character, Shirley, meant to be?

42! A mere baby.

ToveJanssonsWife · 05/05/2024 19:40

MrsScrubbingbrush · 05/05/2024 19:38

Sadly you'd have to re-cast her husband as Bernard Hill very sadly passed away today.

Oh that’s sad, I had no idea 😞

OP posts:
Rainydayze · 05/05/2024 19:41

Was going to say Sarah Lancashire but she’s too old!

ToveJanssonsWife · 05/05/2024 19:41

LindorDoubleChoc · 05/05/2024 19:37

Not Olivia Coleman because she gets too many gigs.

Two English actors born in 1968 to 1972 (for Shirley and her husband) and a Greek actor of about the same age, I guess.

I think the Tom Conti character should be Greek or at least have Mediterranean heritage. It almost feels a bit "black face" that he played that part now, looking back.

I did love him as Costas though.

OP posts:
WonderingWanda · 05/05/2024 19:41

I think Suranne Jones would be good!

ToveJanssonsWife · 05/05/2024 19:42

WonderingWanda · 05/05/2024 19:41

I think Suranne Jones would be good!

Yes she would! Or Phoebe Waller Bridge.

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 05/05/2024 19:43

I imagine Sally Lindsay as Shirley valentine I'm having a think about husbands.

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 05/05/2024 19:43

I think Joanna Page would be a good Shirley

Yupppp · 05/05/2024 19:43

I’m thinking Sheridan Smith. And Joanna Lumley could still play Marjorie, cos hello it’s Joanna Lumley 😀

Mrsjayy · 05/05/2024 19:46

I think if Shirley was re made she would be in her 50s and not her 40s.

ToveJanssonsWife · 05/05/2024 19:46

Yes definitely Joanna Lumley.

Olivia Coleman and someone would rock Jeanette and Dougie from Manchester.

OP posts:
ChessieFL · 05/05/2024 19:48

Sheridan Smith did it in theatre last year and she was fantastic, so I would say her.

MrsVeryTired · 05/05/2024 19:52

Surely Sheridan Smith and Suranne Jones aren't plain enough? I thought it was about a average middle aged housewife? Nicola Walker?

saveforthat · 05/05/2024 19:52

LindorDoubleChoc · 05/05/2024 19:37

Not Olivia Coleman because she gets too many gigs.

Two English actors born in 1968 to 1972 (for Shirley and her husband) and a Greek actor of about the same age, I guess.

I think the Tom Conti character should be Greek or at least have Mediterranean heritage. It almost feels a bit "black face" that he played that part now, looking back.

I just knew someone would come on to say this. Bingo! I think Sheridan Smith would be good as Shirley.

saveforthat · 05/05/2024 19:53

MrsVeryTired · 05/05/2024 19:52

Surely Sheridan Smith and Suranne Jones aren't plain enough? I thought it was about a average middle aged housewife? Nicola Walker?

Plain? Pauline Collins wasn't plain.

Dearg · 05/05/2024 19:54

LindorDoubleChoc · 05/05/2024 19:37

Not Olivia Coleman because she gets too many gigs.

Two English actors born in 1968 to 1972 (for Shirley and her husband) and a Greek actor of about the same age, I guess.

I think the Tom Conti character should be Greek or at least have Mediterranean heritage. It almost feels a bit "black face" that he played that part now, looking back.

Tom Conti’s father was Italian., hence his Mediterranean heritage. No ‘black face’

saveforthat · 05/05/2024 19:54

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 05/05/2024 19:43

I think Joanna Page would be a good Shirley

Yes, good choice

TotalDramarama24 · 05/05/2024 19:55

I've seen it a few times on stage and the best version I saw was with Meera Syal.

Sheridan Smith would be good in the film version. Or maybe Julie Hesmondhalgh.

PotatoPudding · 05/05/2024 20:12

Kate Winslet

ZekeZeke · 05/05/2024 20:25

Andrea Risenburgh as Shirley
Tom Hardy as Joe
Romola Gari as Marjorie
Oscar Isaac as Costas