What's on in London Review

WHAT'S ON IN LONDON:

'Shakers Re-stirred'
-Upstairs at the Gatehouse

reviewed by Peggy Leader

"Written by John Godber and Jane Thornton, this hilariously well-observed comedy is
the first production to be produced by Blue Bud Stage Company with novice director
Rose Lewenstein at its helm.

The action takes place on a busy night in cocktail bar Shakers and is witnessed through the eyes of four of its waitresses: Nicky, Carol, Adele and Mel who each have their own personal reasons for suffering unsociable working hours and customer behaviour.

On a vibrantly salmon and black set with cartoonesque bottles etched on the walls, Susie Anton, Marianne Permaul, Helen Weaver and Becky Wright adeptly switch back and forth from gracious platter carrying employees to a myriad of customers all out on the town for a goodnight of alcohol infused jollity.

Whether male or female there is much for the audience to squirm and wriggle about as the skilful four become laddish lager louts, fatuous business men, giddy shop assistants and self-obsessed lovers all testing the patience of their enforced service smiles and songs of ‘Happy Birthday’.

Each waitress has a moment to soliloquise about her circumstances and ambitions, but it is only Mel who reveals any contentment with her job planning to stay a waitress until she’s 60.

Despite Lewenstein’s slick direction there is a slight tendency towards caricature together with the merest lack of polish, but there is no doubt as to the performers’ versatility and talent as they embrace the rapidly changing scenes with energy and enthusiasm.

A comically entertaining production."

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