REVIEW: TAKING ORDERS at Old Red Lion Theatre until 20 July 2024

‘Acerbic, anarchic comedy’ ★★★★

It’s a relatable setup; our protagonist is a starving artist who needs to pay the bills, the job dangled before them seems a fate worse than death thanks to their boss (a hellish maître d in a trendy London restaurant), and the hordes of patrons they must serve seem straight out of a retail nightmare. This firm foundation gives our main performer Harry Al-Adwani the perfect footing he needs to deliver an acerbic, anarchic comedy that rivals Fawlty Towers.

The show impresses as soon as you walk in; The Old Red Lion’s classic stage is transformed into a posh restaurant that instantly acts as a direct window to a trendy spot that could be just down the road in Islington, backed up perfectly by décor on the walls and the fictional restaurant's menu left on your seat that doubles as the show’s programme, packed with gags and jokes.

None of the effort in bringing this setting to life is wasted thanks to a wonderful twist wherein a handful of audience members are pounced on by Al-Adwani to populate the restaurant itself, being steadily drawn into the play in a slice of immersive theatre that works to hilarious effect. Next to these press-ganged performers we hear voice-overs from invisible patrons that Al-Adwani must battle against to retain his job as the show hurtles on, all brought to life by some truly inventive technical effects. Director Calum Shiels deserves equal credit for masterminding the show’s design as he does for operating it all flawlessly on the night.

But flawless is the last word you’d use to describe the work done by Al-Adwani’s character, as his initially normal shift very quickly spirals into chaos with lethal meals, a bollocking from the boss and an accidental stabbing – the whole thing goes off the rails in the most exciting way after a comparatively measured opening sprinkled with gags. The only stumbles come toward the end, when the show increasingly takes on a softer tone and wraps everything up in a nice bow. It’s satisfying but a little too conventional for the chaotic promise that the show offers at its peaks.

Regardless these are some wonderful peaks, with comedy that’s drenched in the hypocrisy of hospitality, making the show a unique treat that any theatregoer is sure to savour. Just make sure you avoid the lobster sausages.

TAKING ORDER runs at The Old Red Lion Theatre 18th-20th July 2024

Box office: https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/taking-orders.html

Written and Directed by Calum Shiels

Performed by Harry Al-Adwani

Produced by Table Ate Theatre in conjunction with Medium Rare

Reviewed by Harry Conway