Shakers

“Shakers” is an award-winning play set in a trendy cocktail bar in the north of England during Maggie Thatcher’s yuppie 80’s. Director Derek Doddington describes the piece as an hilariously funny and honest look at the lives of four waitresses, and what each of them are either aspiring to, or maybe not aspiring to at all.

Thrown in with this, featuring many similar characteristics to John Godber’s all-male cast companion piece “Bouncers”, with which Top Dog enjoyed a sell-out season at the Court Theatre, Shakers is brought to life by four female actors.

The same chemistry and winning formula make Shakers just as fast, just as furious and just as hysterically funny. And as before, this hilarity is interspersed with moments of real poignancy, as we occasionally see into the real lives of our four main characters.

Further challenges to the evening’s entertainment come when the four actors become a multitude of other characters entering the bar, from yuppies to businessmen, as well as Elaine’s 21st party, to be held down at Shakers Cocktail Bar.

Who will get drunk, who will become obnoxious, and yet through it all will our waitresses keep their smile, their cool and their composure?

Anna Willow plays Mel, who’s seen it all before. Jay Versteeg plays Adele, a single mother who has to work to support her 3-year-old daughter. Nikki Bleyandaal plays young Nicky, who dreams of being a dancer and Catterina Tilby plays Carol, with her ‘A’ levels and Arts degree, but no proper job.