AJ’s Coffee House, Cardiff
Tues 21 June
Cardiff’s own George Infini has been producing his own work since 2013 and is particularly known for his comical series Service!. This week as part of Cardiff Fringe Theatre Festival, episode three was performed at AJ’s Coffee house and the audience were to expect a fast-paced, rude but highly entertaining sit-com. It is set in the restaurant of a four-star hotel, shut for a day of polishing and taking stock for the whole restaurant. Meanwhile, two waiters constantly compete for any and every reason and in this episode, it’s the position of manager.
Being only a cast of four, each member ensured the stage was at a high standard of acting. The performers came from Clock Tower Theatre Company, who often delivers new works. Grant Cawley starred as this episodes main character, Steven, a know-it-all waiter, who had worked at the restaurant for three years and had many waiting awards under his belt. He is envious of Sarah, played by Susan Monkton, who had undeservedly been given the manager position after three months of working there. So with the help of new waitress Gene, played by Isabelle Paige, and fellow waiter Gavin, played by Sam Harding, they try and take her down. However, Gavin has a sneaky plan to eventually take the managers position from Sarah as in fact, he is the longest serving staff member. The episode left on a cliffhanger, forging you to find out what happens in episode four.
Few props were used and there were no scene changes, but from start to finish it was cleverly filled with hilarious moments and top interaction between the small cast. From the get go, the audience were howling at the many innuendos, especially the cleaning ones and the onion reference. The awkward yet romantic relationship between Steve and Gene was particularly clever; who knew hand sanitizer would bring a pair together. If you have the chance to see this episode or indeed episode four, which is also in the Cardiff Fringe Festival, give it a go, you will 100% laugh out loud.
words HANNAH WILLIAMS