‘highlights the tensions. . . and the love/hate dynamics between people’
Table Talk is a brand-new dark comedy written by Zeynep Irem Gunes performed at the Birkenhead Little Theatre Studio Bar and shows that there really is a thin line between love and hate.
Table Talk is set in a family-owned cafe across three tables and whilst they are all there for their own reasons are also listening in to each other’s conversations and offering unwelcome advice.
The first table we meet is a father, who is the owner of the cafe, with his son and daughter. He is testing his children to see who will be suitable to take over the family business. The son has an idea of cheesecake kebabs, and the daughter wants to offer a friendly place with a shoulder to cry on. He is not keen on either idea; can he make a decision and are they in ‘A Cafe’ or ‘The Cafe’? His son wants to be seen as a unique person but is desperate to win his father’s approval. His daughter has his approval but is determined to prove herself as the stronger sibling with a better business brain. We can see how the father dominates his children, the son is very vulnerable but desperate to please and the daughter is determined to be the stronger person.
Then we meet Jason, a vlogger, who is waiting for his blind date but may secretly be in love with the waitress. Jason mistakes everyone who comes in for his blind date who apparently is stuck in traffic. As Jason reminds us he has 50 followers on his vlog and would be willing to promote the cafe for a small fee. The others all find him incredibly annoying and his vulnerability shines through.
The final table we meet is a couple who describe themselves as ‘a distinguished couple’ and are tackling their relationship difficulties but their discomfort with each other is clear to see. They discuss having an open relationship, can they save their marriage or have they both fallen in love with other people?
Will the father be able to make a decision and come to understand his son a little more? Will Jason’s blind date arrive? Will the distinguished couple manage to be honest with each other? What part does the waitress play in all this, and are they in ‘A Cafe’ or ‘The Cafe’?
Directed by Joseph Rutland, the cast is drawn from Sam Bolton, Hariclia Gremmenou, Sam Robinson, Molly Jane Asquith-Lunt, Joshua Whittington, Jade Harris, Lee Patterson, Gareth Crawshaw, Emily Gilfoil, and Joseph Tong playing a variety of roles.
All performances are strong with the American accents being spot on and the ‘distinguished gentleman’ plays the love hate dynamic against his wife perfectly. The play shows how when we are in public places, we want to be seen in a good light no matter what is happening in our lives.
Performed in The Studio Bar, the lighting is used effectively as the table where the conversation is happening is spotlighted and then lights up all three tables when the conversations open up.
Table Talk highlights the tensions between people, how things can quickly become chaotic and the love/hate dynamics between people.
Review Date: 18th July 2026
Star Rating: THREE