Some of our most frequently asked (and answered) questions - click on the question to read the answer below.
Q: How long does the show go for?Q: When does the show take place?
Q: What happens during the show?
Q: How long are the performers at the event?
Q: Do "The Three Waiters" assist with food & drink service?
Q: Do they interfere with food & drink service?
Q: How do you accept payment?
Q: When is payment due?
Q: Will they be the same original team?
Q: What is "production"?
Q: Do performers wear the same uniforms as the waitstaff?
Q: Where are your performers based?
Q: What songs are performed?
Q: How many of them are there?
Q: How many teams do you have?
Q: Why do we only need to provide 2 uniforms and not 3?
Q: Why do we need an engineer, isn't the equipment enough?
Q: Do we really need follow spots?
Q: Do you perform on holidays, e.g. Xmas, New Year's Eve, etc?
Q: Should I keep the show a secret?
Q: Will you do an encore?
Q: How long does the show go for?
A: We've been going for ten years! (But seriously) The Three Waiters show is approximately 22 minutes in length. Alfredo makes two speeches or "Announcements" prior to the show, each of which runs under two minutes.
Q: When does the show take place?
A: The Three Waiters show begins as the last main meal is served.
At a "buffet" dinner, the show will begin when all guests have been to the buffet once.
For stand-up cocktail functions the show can begin at the client's discretion; however The Three Waiters is far better suited to sit-down dinners.
For Cabaret-style and other great alternative entertainment ideas, please visit the 'What's Next?' page.
Q: What happens during the show?
A: For a detailed description of The Three Waiters show visit The Show page, download How It Works PDF or visit the Watch Video page to see The Three Waiters in action...
Q: How long are the performers at the event?
A: The Three Waiters normally arrive an hour before your guests. They use that time to test the sound system and to dress exactly the same as the other service staff at your venue. This means that, by the time you and your guests arrive, The Three Waiters will be "in character".
Q: Do The Three Waiters assist with food & drink service?
A: Not really: The Three Waiters are professional singers, not actual service staff, although they will perform some basic tasks as part of the "Hoax".
Q: Do they interfere with food & drink service?
A: Not at all - The Three Waiters will never interfere, but will help serve just long enough for your guests to think they are actually working at your function and for as many of your guests as possible to hear Jean-Marc and Alfredo speak!
HOWEVER - it is crucial that there be no service of any kind during the actual show. This is very important.
Q: How do you accept payment?
A: We accept cheque or direct deposit (payment details will appear on your invoice) - unfortunately we do not accept credit card payments.
Q: When is payment due?
A: Deposit of 30% of the total fee is payable on receipt of contract.
The remaining 70% is payable prior to the function date.
If the booking is made within 30 days of the event date, the full fee is payable immediately in order to secure your booking.
Q: Will they be the same original team?
A: There are over seventy performers working for The Three Waiters, worldwide: we use the cream of professional talent in each region.
When they are not performing in Operas & Musicals, on stage and onscreen, they work for us, at your function.
Consequently, they may not get the same team twice (although we'll certainly try for you), but the good news is whoever you get, they'll be fantastic!
Q: What is "production"?
A: "Production" is the term used to describe amplified sound and lighting. Depending on the size of your function and venue, the production requirements can change dramatically. This is an important technical consideration, best discussed in person with your local office.
Q: Do performers wear the same uniforms as the waitstaff?
A: Yes, whenever possible. All our performers have generic uniforms which they will bring to your function: white shirt, black pants & vest, black tie and/or bowtie.
However when venues have tailored jackets, shirts or ties of an unusual colour etc, we prefer to have our performers dressed by the venue. The performers always arrive in time to locate and dress in the uniform of your venue. This is the finishing touch that makes the Hoax complete!
Q: Where are your performers based?
A: We have performers based in the UK, several states in the USA, and three cities in Australia. From here we service the world market - the aim being to reduce the cost of providing performers for your function, wherever it is. Please contact your local office for more information.
Q: What songs are performed?
A: The details of the show may vary and can be tailored to a certain extent, depending on your individual requirements. 95% of shows follow a strict running order. For more information, contact your local office.
Q: How many of them are there?
A: As the name suggests, there are three. Don't laugh: this question comes up surprisingly often. Incidentally, we do offer an alternative show featuring a fourth performer in some instances. This is of particular interest for those who'd like to see The Three Waiters again, but with a twist..!
Q: How many teams do you have?
A: Worldwide at any one time there are several dozen performers employed by The Three Waiters.
Q: Why do we only need to provide 2 uniforms and not 3?
A: This is because Alfredo (the Italian Head Waiter) supplies his own immaculately pressed Armani suit for the performance.
Q: Why do we need an engineer, isn't the equipment enough?
A: The sound and lighting equipment, particularly in larger shows, has to be operated by one or more trained professionals. The show uses backing tracks (played on a CD player) wireless microphones, sound effects and occasionally spotlights. These must only be handled by experts.
The Three Waiters is above all a musical act, featuring three exceptional singers posing as waiters. The sound needs to be of the highest quality. Only a professional can consistently achieve this. Most of all, an Engineer is there to make sure the show (and your event) runs smoothly.
Q: Do we really need follow spots?
A: For functions of more than one hundred, we would strongly recommend use of at least one, if not three follow-spots (These are spotlights which an operator points at the performers as they move around the room).
We want you to get the best result possible from your event, and experience has shown that if everybody at a function can easily see (and hear) the show, they'll have a great time!
If you'd like clarification on this, or if you'd like us to look at the venue for you and suggest the best way to do lighting (or sound) for your event, please contact your local office, we're happy to help!
Q: Do you perform on holidays, e.g. Xmas, New Year's Eve, etc?
A: Absolutely, yes. However, these dates fill up very quickly! We'd recommend you contact your local office as soon as possible to put a team on hold and avoid disappointment when your date arrives...
Q: Should I keep the show a secret?
A: This is very important - please keep The Three Waiters a secret!
The strongest part of the show is the surprise! Previously, a few clients have got a little excited and told two or three people at work, who've told one or two (and sworn them to secrecy) and before you know it, only the janitor and the CEO get a surprise! This is a terrible shame.
Please do yourself a favour and 'keep it under your hat' - that way everybody will get a great surprise and have more fun!
Q: Will you do an encore?
A: Yes. After well over six thousand shows worldwide, we leave nothing to chance. First, we make sure your guests are having an incredible time, so that they will want an encore. Then, we give them one! The encore is built into every show.
For additional songs/requests, please contact your local office, however:
We strongly advise against extending the show: making a show longer by no means makes it better. We've learned to follow one of the great laws of the Theatre, which is to "always leave them wanting more"
