Director: Nick Wilkinson Starring: Courteney Mayall, Natalie Swart, Stephanie Christian, Caroline Waugh Venue: The Meteor, 20 & 21 February 2021
Attending a preview performance of Shakers: Re-stirred was like stepping back into my past life on both sides of the bar. Set in 1980s London, Shakers is a nightclub/restaurant/cocktail bar run by a dodgy character named Mario whom we never meet. Instead, his staff Mel (Courteney Mayall), Adele (Natalie Swart), Carol (Stephanie Christian) and Nicki (Caroline Waugh) discuss Mario, their experiences as waitresses working in a cocktail bar, and their personal lives. On top of this, the fab four spin on a dime becoming all manner of other (generally drunk and often louty) clientele with an extraordinary array of accents.
The dialogue was lively in this fast-paced comedy. The laughs were continual from the start and increased in frequency as the storylines of the supporting characters were developed.
The Meteor is Christian’s spiritual home even though she has been UK-based for many years. It was thrilling to see her on stage again in Hamilton. Her physical comedy was hilarious.
Christian can always be relied upon to go the extra mile with characterisations.
Swart was stunning to watch and her rapid changes between hardworking waitress and completely inebriated patron were faultless. Swart’s monologue was engaging and expressed with powerful sincerity.
As well as the role of Nicki, Waugh delivered a hilarious portrayal of drunken and forlorn birthday girl. Her timing was impeccable and her transformations were slick.
Mayall shines throughout. Mayall’s immense body of varied theatrical work over the past few years has been impressive. Once again, she delivered especially in the comical, exasperated and accent departments.
Each of the four monologues divulged their character’s real passions, reasons for staying in their somewhat dreadful jobs at Shakers and their hopes and dreams. These sobering moments were well executed and heartfelt.
Nick Wilkinson’s successful direction comes from decades of experience on stage. It was effortless to imagine the waitresses weaving through the crowded bar with food and drinks. He was mindful of the undercurrents in the relationships between the staff and patrons, and there was always something happening away from the dialogue that drove the storyline forward.
The action was supported by classic tunes from the 80s, and it was a bit of a toe-tapper. The set was sparse, but given the talents of the actors and director, there was no need for the stage to be filled with surplus items just for the sake of setting a scene.
Finally and on a personal note, the show closes with one of my top 3 all-time favourite songs. You will need to buy a ticket to find out what it is.
Shakers: Re-Stirred is ideally suited to the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival. It’s fun, it’s light-hearted and you’ll still be chuckling the following day. Cheers!
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