Here is our review of A Greasy Spoon at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre!
Synopsis Of A Greasy Spoon
The show opens with the grisly sight of the Boss’ dead body. And dragging him across the floor of the Scrantastic Cafe are Mandy (Lindzi German) and Shannon (Hayley Sheen). To say it’s quite a sight is an understatement; the blood is everywhere! But the two ladies elicit humour in their attempts to hide the body. We’ve yet to learn the context of the incident, though tensions rise based on the influx of unwanted visitors.
These include an aubergine seller (Adam McCoy), a bloke demanding skinny lattes (also Adam), and a blind badge seller. The latter (Anthony Gough) became a hostage of sorts, though the real drama starts when a local builder (Jay Johnson) arrives. He’s looking for the Boss and won’t take “no” for an answer. The ladies’ attempts to reduce his threat only heighten their problems, though. So, we have to wonder: how can anyone possibly survive the situation without consequences? And is all as it truly seems with certain characters?
Analysis Of A Greasy Spoon
This show is unusual in the sense that its most striking moment essentially opens the evening. From there, it’s quite the experience to see how Mandy and Shannon handle this bizarre turn of events. Lindzi and Hayley are both very funny, with contrasting behaviours. Mandy is overly loud and dramatic yet somewhat positive, whereas Hayley is level-headed and outspoken in equal measure. The two complement each other well as they survey the chaos that they’re somewhat contributing to.
Elsewhere, there are plenty of funny moments, ranging from locally-focused one-liners to intentionally over-the-top violence. Certainly, Jay Johnson turns in a memorable performance as a criminal with a subtle soft side hidden beneath his anger issues. And then there’s Anthony Gough, whose turn as the blind badge-seller creates some of the show’s most amusing incidents.
Summary Of A Greasy Spoon
If you’ve been to the Royal Court Theatre in the past, this should satisfy your needs. There’s a healthy mix of slapstick, local humour, and general chaos that you only get from a show of this ilk. Add to that the authentic setting and modest running time, and you have a real treat of a production.
