WHAT has Basingstoke been missing for the last 12 years? 

Pub theatre that’s what. Why do we need to go to a theatre to watch brilliant performances when there are a multitude of other places where performances can be brought to life in surroundings depicted in the play.

Shakers is a play centred on the oh-so trendy cocktail bar where everyone wants to be seen, from the girls in the supermarket, the snobby couples to the local lads not quite old enough to have their first Sex on the Beach cocktail.

So, what better place for this play to be performed than at the Tea Bar at the Top of the Town. The customers of the Tea Bar were, of course, the audience!  

The performances by the four young actresses were a joy. With a simple change of costume and accent, each of them became different characters.

Jodi Heath (Mel), Charlie Thomas-Chandler (Carole), Lydia Thomson (Adele) and Emma-May Williamson (Nicky) gave 100% in their roles. 

The audience were drawn in to their individual back stories and the trials and tribulations of their lives whilst watching convincing performances as waitresses serving customers and wickedly taking a poke at the folks who frequent such places, but, of course, always with a smile.

Directed by Proteus’ Ross Harvie, this was another professional performance by The Proteans, the theatre company affiliated to Proteus.

Proteus believes the audience is as important as the artist. Shakers certainly proves that they are right. 

Janice Gould