Here is a list of some common questions that clients have either before booking or leading up to a performance.
Who should I tell about the performance?
This is a surprise performance and we recommend that you tell as few people as possible – preferably no-one! If this is a surprise for specific guests; do ensure that the venue/caterer are also aware not to mention our performance.
When can I decide on which songs you will be singing?
We have quite a broad set-list of popular music with around 25 songs arranged/rehearsed with all singers (a typical 30 minute performance would be made up of 8 songs). Please let us know if you would like to see our set list; however the list does change and it is likely there will be new tracks as we approach your event. For this reason we usually wait to have discussions about song choices until just before the event date. The songs that form our act are all carefully put together and each have their own unique style and narrative/reason for being performed as part of the show – for this reason we always feel that selecting the right songs for an event works well as a two way process between us and the client. We do like to recommend a set-list for your event as a starting point – we have a very good idea of what will work at your event based on our experience and what we do with the music. It is important that you have the right music for your event but do carefully consider our recommendations when it comes to song choices.
We are also happy to put together an arrangement of a single track for you should you require something specific but because we work very hard on arrangements we require at least four weeks notice to do this. We recommend to clients that the songs that work best for bespoke arrangements are tracks that lend themselves well to being played on acoustic guitar and are not too reliant on backing track. The songs that always work best are ones that either have sentimental value or are songs that are very well known by your group as a whole (rather than a song that you think might go down well).
Do you sing some of your music directly to specific guests and should I choose who will be targeted?
A key element of our show involves a number of the songs being focussed on to specific guests as part of the narrative of the performance. We do not embarrass anyone or make anyone do anything specific – the guests selected will very much enjoy being made part of the songs. The right people to choose are always higher profile and well-known guests – these are the people who the rest of the audience would get most enjoyment out of them being targeted. We will let you know how many guests are required based on the set-list and we can discuss this in detail during our pre-event call just before the event.
How do I know which performers are attending?
We actually have a group of performers who have been singing with us for many years and we work together each week in different combinations. The act is completely standardised and so no matter which performers attend you will have exactly the same experience. All of our performers are working West End professionals and for that reason we are unable to confirm exact availability until closer to an event date. However if you have seen our act before or have watched a specific clip of a show and wish to request individual singers then if they are available we would be sure to book them. If you are booking us for your event and some of your guests have seen our act before – we can ensure to use different singers so that the surprise element remains intact.
Do I need to inform my venue/caterer about your performance?
You should contact your venue and/or caterer and let them know that we are performing and if they have any concerns we are more than happy to contact them immediately to discuss our act. It is important to ensure that your venue/caterer are happy for us to attend as we will be posing as members of their waiting staff for a large part of the event. Your venue/caterer can be assured that we are very professional and experienced waiters – we do not get involved with food service so have no need to enter their kitchens or service areas. As a general rule we assist with reception drinks and act as wine waiters only during the meal. Also to avoid confusion please point out that we are not attending to replace any of their existing staff.
We do have full public liability insurance and these certificates can be provided to your venue upon request.
Will you be in contact with my venue/caterer directly?
We will be in touch with your venue or caterer directly approximately a week before your event. We will run through our performance in detail and answer any questions they might have.
Will you wear the same uniform as the real waiters?
It is very helpful if we can match the uniform of the real waiting staff at your venue. During our contact with the venue we will confirm what attire the staff wear so that we can try to look the same. All of our staff will have with them black trousers, black or white shirts, black waistcoats, ties and aprons. If your venue has any branded uniform such as ties, aprons or waistcoats they are usually happy to lend us some for the duration of the event.
When do I need to confirm the exact timings and when do you arrive on site?
Do not worry too much if you have not given us the exact timings of your event or if they change as we approach our performance. We will be arriving on site approximately 90 minutes in advance of our start time and will remain at the venue throughout your event until after our music performance. If your timings change then please do let us know; however everything can be confirmed during our pre-event call the week before your event.
When do you start working as waiters and what is the best point for the singing performance to start?
Our act works best when we can be in our role as waiters from when guests arrive ensuring that we have the maximum amount of time to build rapport with those attending – this would usually be at the start of the reception drinks. We would then continue intermittently as waiters until the time for the singing performance. We recommend this takes place towards the end of any meal – preferably starting once the last course has been served (dessert). As the performance is a surprise for the guests – by beginning during dessert guests will be seated and we will have everyone exactly where we want them. We have found that performing between courses or after the meal has finished completely means that guests will naturally be out of the room or moving around which can make it more difficult for us to start the show. If you are scheduling any speeches at the end of your meal – then you will find that our act works brilliantly before them and will actually help them immensely! However some clients do prefer us to begin the performance following on from the speeches – this is completely fine but we would recommend the show starts immediately following on from the last speaker. If you are not having a formal sit down dinner – then we usually recommend allowing us some time as waiters before beginning to sing and we can discuss with you the best time for the show to start based on the schedule of your event.
Our act is of course very flexible and can work in a wide variety of ways – so if the above does not work at your event then please do feel free to get in touch and discuss your options.
Can the venue continue serving during your performance?
We will require the venue/caterer to stop service completely for the duration of our performance which includes clearing plates and serving of tea/coffee.
What are the requirements on the day of the event?
We require a changing space and hot food/soft drinks for all performers. It is important that the performers can have a room to store our instruments, use as a crew room throughout and also warm up/tune up later in the event. We need to maintain the secrecy of the act but also our performers need somewhere to base themselves during their time at the venue. A spare conference room or office is ideal and if possible it should be located away from the event.
Does your performance need to be amplified?
Unless other-wise arranged – our singing performance will be an unamplified show. Because we play our music live we are usually able to perform without microphones to an audience of approximately 100 guests or less – although amplification may be recommended for smaller groups if the event is taking place outside or in a very large marquee. We much prefer to work as an un-amplified act where acoustics allow it and the act is designed to work in this way. When necessary we can bring our own sound engineers with us or if you already have amplification / production on site we can provide our Technical Rider with details of what we require.
