Shirley brings the sunshine to Theatre Severn

Set in the days before Facebook, Shirley is a middle-aged housewife who is restricted to venting her frustrations by conversing with her kitchen wall. She cooks her husband his dinner every evening and ponders how they have become so distant and regrets the loss of her younger self.

Seizing on an opportunity to go to Greece for a two week holiday with a friend, she secretly packs her bags and embarks on a journey of self discovery.

Prenger, who first found fame in 2009 on the tv show I'd Do Anything, when she was cast by Andrew Lloyd Webber as Nancy in Oliver, delivers the show in monologue form.

Some initial weakness in Prenger's delivery of a scouse accent was soon overcome, leaving her to weave a captivating tale that left the audience transported to both Shirley's kitchen in Liverpool and the enticing warmth and blue sea of her Greek getaway.

The strength of the story in summoning women to find the courage to transform their lives will resonate with many.

Shirley says, "I have allowed myself to lead this little life, when inside me there was so much more."

The audience is uplifted as she finally rediscovers the bold girl she once knew.

It is, however, Prenger's mastery of story telling that makes you forget that for the whole performance she is alone on stage.

To remember all her lines, deliver them faultlessly whilst at the same time cooking chips and egg is remarkable.

Prenger dips in and out of other characters as Shirley tells of conversations with her neighbour, her husband and her Greek lover and manages in those brief moments to transform herself into different personas.

She was supremely confident and captivating in the role and received a well deserved standing ovation from the Shrewsbury audience, who no doubt left the theatre feeling empowered, the Greek tourist board should be prepared.

The show runs at the theatre until Saturday.