As Caryl Churchill's seminal feminist play Top Girls transfers to Trafalgar Studios, Catherine Love explains why you should love this modern classic.
1. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Ah, the immortal words of Cyndi Lauper. What Cyndi forgot to mention was that most girls also want careers and families, which for Top Girls protagonist Marlene is no laughing matter. While it may feel like times have moved on since the play's 1980s setting, Top Girls remains strikingly relevant in an age where being a woman is not always a barrel of laughs. Sorry Cyndi.
2. Third Time's a Charm
If it's true what they say about third time lucky then Churchill and Stafford-Clark must have something very special on their hands. The creative duo previously worked together on both the acclaimed 1982 premiere at the Royal Court and the 1991 revival and have now reunited for a production which, judging by the critical buzz from Chichester, could be a serious awards contender.
3. Have You Met Miss Jones?
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Gwen Taylor and Lesley Manville, small screen star Suranne Jones tackles the meaty lead role of Marlene. Her rather impressive CV includes recent appearances in TV dramas Single Father and Scott & Bailey, as well as succeeding in the almighty challenge of playing a big blue box as she gave life to the Tardis in Doctor Who.
4. Come Dine With Me
Ever thought about who you would invite to your fantasy dinner party? In Top Girls fantasy becomes reality, as the first act brings together six different women from history and myth for a good old fashioned knees-up. As the wine starts to flow, watch cultures clash and tempers fray. If only we had Dave Lamb's bitchy voiceover, eh?
5. Acceptable in the '80s
The perms, the shoulder-pads, the synth-pop tunes – what's not to love? This new production is firmly rooted in the 1980s, with a soundtrack featuring the likes of Dolly Parton and The Jam and a disastrous fashion throwback or two. It's a nostalgic trip back in time for anyone who lived through it and a glimpse of the past for those not old enough to remember it. And yes, there is some very big hair.
Top Girls runs at Trafalgar Studios until 29 October.
Image: John Haynes
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