After the huge critical success of Teechers Leavers ’22 for Hull Truck’s 50th anniversary, John Godber OBE has teamed up with writing partner, newly honoured D.Litt from Hull University, Jane Thornton to revise their 1985 hit play Shakers, which has been performed around the world.
The husband and wife double BAFTA winning partnership have reconstructed their play in the light of the pandemic with particular reference to the nighttime economy. Regarded as the sister play to the legendary Bouncers, Shakers is a highly physical, punchy, fast-moving look at the lives of three long-suffering waitresses who work in a bar under threat from rising energy costs, zero hours contracts, lack of staff, sexual harassment and a public desperate to be ‘out out!’
Featuring former Hollyoaks TV star Jazmine Franks, Call the Midwife’s Rebecca Tebbet, and introducing Yasmin Dawes, Shakers really is a play for today.
Jane Thornton said: “We wanted to re-boot Shakers because we felt it was still relevant to how we live today, but we had no idea that events would make it so urgent. Covering the plight of those working in and owning bars in a diminishing market, really puts the characters’ lives under the spotlight.”
John Godber said this new version is “Funny, irreverent, highly charged and poignant; and is easily more than a match for Bouncers!”
Shakers Under New Management is produced by Theatre Royal Wakefield and John Godber Company Ltd. Directed by John Godber, it is coming to Hull Truck Theatre on Tuesday 1 November.