Shirley is no stranger to Cork theatre having spent most of her teenage years and twenties between the Everyman Theatre and Cork Opera House. Her first audition for a principal role was for a musical "Love for Judy" and she was to work with Marion Wyatt for the first time in her role as Judy.

​

From there she went on to perform in many musicals and plays. Her musical roles have included Anita in "West Side Story", Sandy in "Grease", Laurie in "Oklahoma" all produced by the Montforts.

​

While living in Australia she worked with Sydney Entertainment Co. as Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and played Nancy in Tamworth City Theatre’s production of "Oliver". Her most memorable role was Lina Lamont in the hit musical "Singing in the Rain" in the Everyman Theatre and in the Olympia Theatre Dublin.

​

Shirley has also played principal girl in many Cork Opera House pantomimes working with Billa O Connell and the late great Paddy Comerford and directed by Michael Twomey. She starred as the Princess with Albemarle’s of London’s production of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin".

​

Her theatre roles include Mabel - "An Ideal Husband", Sybil - "Private Lives", Nora - "The Plough and the Stars", Agnes - "Agnes of God", Celia - "Volpone", Sister Amnesia - "Nunsense" and Assumpta in "The Sunbeam Girls" amongst others. She has made two appearances on the Late Late Show and has recorded a tribute to the wonderful Connie Francis.

​

Shirley trained in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Contemporary dance and is a qualified teacher of drama. She has two children to keep her busy and is delighted to be able to tread the boards once again and have the opportunity to work with lifelong friends.