‘She spread love and naughtiness’: Simon Callow on directing Pauline Collins in Shirley Valentine

In a recent reflection, Simon Callow praised Pauline Collins for her extraordinary performance in 'Shirley Valentine,' a one-woman play by Willy Russell. While audiences perceived her portrayal as effortless, Collins faced significant challenges during rehearsals, revealing the demanding nature of the role. Callow's direction aimed to balance the comedic elements with the emotional depth of the character, which Collins navigated with skill. This performance not only showcased her abilities as a superb light-comedy actress but also emphasized the intricate work behind the scenes in theater, where even the most natural performances require immense effort and dedication.