The Giovanni Experiment.

Who hasn’t had a waiter so snooty they are almost a comic act in their own right? Or one who was such a cultural stereotype that their presence made the meal almost feel like theatre? Well there is definitely a  show to be made out of that.

Hew Parham, who brought Schmoo to the 2011 Cabaret Fringe Festival, has a new show, The Giovianni Experiment. Parham uses his formidable physical comedy skills to portray Giovanni, an Italian waiter who clearly takes pride in what he does and the customs of good service. Using food props in unlikely ways Parham’s Giovanni is hilarious, charismatic and cheeky.

At a simple level, this relatively short show (40 minutes) is just very funny, poking fun at old food traditions and the people involved. At another it is a lament to the loss of those traditions in a modern world where food is mass produced, with little tradition, thought or heritage. Parham effectively and efficiently demonstrates the two extremes, adding dimensions to the show that while left me laughing also left me thinking.

The four distinct parts in The Giovanni Experiment create a four course meal that leaves you feeling very satisfied by the end. Very funny and a little dirty, there are some cracker lines and not a dull moment. My friend and I both laughed ourselves silly at Giovanni’s antics. Anyone who has been on the receiving end of exceedingly snooty waiters will enjoy themselves, as will anyone just looking for a fun show. Oddly it’s a comedy that makes you think about what you eat and where it comes from.

There’s one show left this Saturday night at La Boheme, hurry as I hear tickets are selling fast.