8 reasons why you should see Top Girls at the Everyman Theatre

Fiercely funny and thought provoking, Top Girls has had a fantastic first week at the Everyman Theatre.

In the hit production, Marlene is at the top of her game and, as new Managing Director of Top Girls Employment Agency in the glitzy and glamorous ‘80s London, she hosts an extraordinary dinner party to celebrate. But there’s a cost to success when a woman of colour makes it in a man’s world.

News the Liverpool theatre’s had rapturous applause for each of the shows so far will create queues at the box office. But if you’re still undecided, here’s 8 reasons why this is one Everyman play you must see…

The show is written by British playwright Caryl Churchill

Caryl Churchill is one of the most influential and significant contemporary British dramatists, famed for her work exploring sexual politics and feminist themes. She’s the author of more than 30 plays, and in a poll in 2011, five out of 20 writers listed her as the greatest living playwright. 

It’s a must-see show according to the critics and it’s in its 40th year

It’s a testament to the power of the play and its relevance that Top Girls is still going strong after four decades, and in the What’s On Stage Critic’s Pick of top shows to see in 2023 Sarah Crompton said Churchill’s ’searing’ play ‘has lost none of its savage power’. Other reviews hailed it ‘brilliantly incisive’ and said director Suba Das had brought ‘stylish panache’ to its latest incarnation.

It’s ‘Top Girls’ with a Scouse twist!

In the original play career girl Marlene returns home to Suffolk but in its latest reinvention, home is Liverpool 8. Assistant director Millie Foy said: “It just feels like a crucible of ‘80s tension in terms of the aspirations of Thatcherite policy and the lived reality in places like Liverpool.”

The cast is brilliant

Tala Gouveia from McDonald & Dodds and Alicia Eyo from Bad Girls have a powerful and believable chemistry as divided sisters Marlene and Joyce, and they lead a confident cast including Saffron Day, as teenager Angie, local writer and performer Lauren Lane, and rising star – and young Everyman Playhouse graduate – Nadia Anim.

The soundtrack will have you dancing in your seat

If there’s one era that can be instantly defined by its music, it’s the 80s when Eurythmics and Madonna were riding high, and hits from Liverpool bands like Frankie Goes to Hollywood, OMD, Flock of Seagulls, Echo and the Bunnymen and Teardrop Explodes had everyone on the dancefloor. 

It opens up conversation to important topics

From polarising political policies to a woman’s place in the world and the workplace, there are so many discussions to be had once the actors have left the stage – not least because of the similarities between the turmoil of the 80s with that of today.  

It’s a guaranteed great evening out at the Everyman Theatre

It’s the Everyman’s ability to promote inspirational and challenging theatre that means we rarely leave without feeling we’ve experienced an amazing performance that goes beyond the hours we’re sitting in our seats. Combine that with an amazing building, welcoming staff, the chance to relax, have a drink and be entertained, and you know you’re onto a winner.

Surrounding the show there are some great additional panels, talks and events you can get involved in

Like we said, the conversation will continue after the performance and to help you discuss the play and its topics, the Everyman has organised a range of events like a roundtable discussion on Caryl Churchill and feminist theatre this Saturday, March 18, with academics Professors Elaine Aston and Mary Luckhurst, and Dr Hannah Greenstreet, and the Everyman and Top Girls director Suba Das.

Book tickets to see Top Girls at the Everyman Theatre here.