Willy Russell’s heartwarming comedy Shirley Valentine, in which a bored housewife finds herself talking to the wall, so decides to see the world, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a national tour.

Adapted into an Oscar-nominated film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti in 1989, the revival tour of the play stars Jodie Prenger, who landed the role of Nancy in Oliver! after winning the BBC’s talent show I’d Do Anything in 2008. Here, she chats about the role as the show arrives in Kent.

Have you ever needed to talk to the wall like Shirley does in the play?

I do talk to myself sometimes and I talk to my hairbrush too, occasionally.

Was Tell Me on a Sunday a bit of a rehearsal for this – a one-woman show?

I do believe things happen for a reason and when Tell Me on a Sunday came along last year with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black, I jumped at the chance. I had been used to having a cast of 30 around me, so doing a one-woman show was very scary. I think when you are put out on your own it is such a daunting thing, but it really warms the cockles of your heart with the reaction you get. I think the day I stop getting nervous about what I’m passionate about, then I’ve lost my passion.

Shirley Valentine is a 42-year-old housewife, while you’re 37 – are you able to identify with her?

I am 37 and don’t have kids yet, but I think it is more about people wanting to fulfil their dreams. It has made me think about my life. I believe it is still relevant no matter what your age. I also think people need to take a break from social media these days and go and do something. I want to run 10,000 miles away from it all.

How did you feel when you were first approached about playing Shirley?

I got the script and it is so warm. It is everything that Willy Russell is good at doing. Plus we have a lady director, Glen Walford, who is amazing and we had a great time. It is an iconic piece of British theatre, but it doesn’t feel like it. It feels like you are in a kitchen just chatting. The script is quite regimented, though, so there’s no ad libbing.

Does I’d Do Anything (the show that launched her career) seem a lifetime ago to you?

Nancy for me, gave me the opportunity to be in something I had always dreamed of being in. I am so, so proud of it.

How do you manage being away from home on tour as you have a lot of animals, don’t you?

I do – I have four dogs, chickens, two parrots, a rabbit and a hermit crab. Yes, when I have my chips and egg on stage, I think of the chickens. My mum looks after the animals while I’m away a lot, and my brother, but the animals are very important to us. When we (she and fiance Jim, who she met in 2010) bought our house, the first thing we had put in was a dog shower – before the one for us humans!

You’re very busy aren’t you – are you a bit of a workaholic?

I do turn things down, honestly! I’ve been very lucky that some great things have come along. The day I finish this tour I start back on the CBBC show, Jamie Johnson. And I could have a break at Christmas, but I love to do panto. I can’t help it!

DETAILS

Shirley Valentine will be at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells from Monday, July 3 to Saturday, July 8. For tickets from £15 call 01892 530613 or visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk