THE Proteans present two theatrical classics in Basingstoke this month.

They will take you back to the 1980s with performances of John Godber and Jane Thornton’s Shakers at The Tea Bar and David Mamet’s blistering black comedy Glengarry Glen Ross at Proteus Creation Space, Council Road.

A community workshop company affiliated to Proteus Theatre Company, the Proteans create high quality, professionally directed community performances, including an annual summer Shakespeare production.

Made up of adults from the North Hampshire area, the actors meet and rehearse at Proteus Creation Space.

Shakers was written in 1987 at the height of the yuppie revolution, when every town in the UK had its oh-so-trendy cocktail bar where everyone wanted to be seen. This popular play opens the stage to four waitresses, who offer a fascinating and wickedly funny view of the reality that lurks behind the heels and pina coladas.

Each actor in this production has experience of waitressing in and around Basingstoke, flavouring the performance with real life glimpses of what happens behind the scenes of Basingstoke bars.

Directed by Proteus Associate Director Ross Harvie, this cabaret-style production is 'shaken up' with dance and physical theatre.

Ross said: “I’m really excited to be directing this absolute classic. Our local ladies have been really inspiring to work with. We hope you enjoy our fun, cheesy take on the '80s! This is a chance to support events at the top of town and great independent businesses such as The Tea Bar.”

Performances take place at The Tea Bar on Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday 27 at 7.30pm.

Glengarry Glen Ross was first performed in 1983 at the Royal National Theatre and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984, moving to Broadway the same year.

Directed by Proteus' Artistic Director Mary Swan, the play follows a group of real-estate salesmen living on the edge of various personal cliffs as the modern world pushes them over.

Successfully filmed in 1992 with Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin and Kevin Spacey, it was revived on Broadway in 2012 with Al Pacino.

This is a piece of theatre about the brutality of the company of men. Featuring adult themes and explicit language, it is strictly for audiences aged 16 and over.

Performances take place at Proteus Creation Space on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 at 7.30pm.

Tickets for each performance are £6, or you can buy tickets for both performances for £10.

Visit wegottickets.com/proteustheatre to book, or buy tickets in person from The Tea Bar or Proteus Creation Space.