Train Chef

I don't even know if the premise is funny, but hey.

Train Chef

Large 'Royal Train Line' train provider company logo in shot. Desk and two chairs set up face-to-face interview style. Interviewer- 50something white male. Sandeep- young Indian male.

Interviewer: So, Sandeep, you're here to interview for the role of on board Chef?

Sandeep: Yes, I am.

Interviewer: Brilliant. Well we've had a chance to look over your application and CV, and I must say we're very impressed. I see you've got 5 years' excpierience as a soux chef in Paris? Yes, very impressive.

Sandeep: Thank you. I take a lot of pride in my work.

Interviewer: There was only one thing we were a bit unsure of..

Sandeep: Oh, what was it? I'm happy to answer any questions you've got.

Interviewer: Well it was just... your name.

Sandeep: My name?

Interviewer: Yes, well it's not very "train chef" is it?

Sandeep: I'm sorry?

Interviewer: I mean, Royal Train Line customers have come to expect a certain 'standard' of naming when they use our services.

Silence

Have you ever thought of... Robert? Or Stephen? Or Sam? That's not too far away from your current name. How about Tim?

Sandeep: [/i]Pauses[/i] I'm not changing my name..

Interviewer: Quite... er... good. Well that's enough questions from me. We'll be in touch with the results of your interview soon.

Sandeep: Well.. thank you for the interview.

Interviewer: No problem. Oh, and can you send Dave in next please?

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Context: Noticed from train travelling that when they tell you the name of the chef (don't know if this is even done outside of East Coast Trains), it's always a very British name. Not convinced that people would even know what I'm getting at. Not sure the premise it worth pursuing.

It's not a wholly funny conceit and the journey from start to finnish seems to lack gags.

Why is this train chef idea funny? Over priced, second rate, under invested services trying to give them an air of poshness by giving their staff fancy names?

A nod to the lost era of steam?

I dunno.

I don't even know myself. An alternate ending would be they offer him the job, but give him a name tag that says "Paul", and as he's leaving a man comes in wearing aboriginal dress, and the man calls him Stewart.

*shrug* I'm struggling. I think this one is a non runner.

That could work.

I think the idea behind it is institutional racism, and despite the fact that the applicant has well above the qualifications, they're still transfixed on showing a 'British' image.

But I shouldn't have to explain that, otherwise the sketch has failed a bit. I might try a rewrite with the alternate ending.

Quote: Nat Wicks @ January 17 2011, 2:27 PM GMT

I think the idea behind it is institutional racism, and despite the fact that the applicant has well above the qualifications, they're still transfixed on showing a 'British' image.

View original

I got that, and that did make me laugh- it reminded me of speaking to someone in call centre in India who claims to be called 'Dave/Steve/Tim' when they are so obviously not.

You could cut 90% of the first half - it adds nothing. Join as late as possible - e.g. as they come to the name issue. Alt ending could work.

I've never heard a train announce the name of the chef. Maybe my trains aren't posh enough. But the point of the sketch still comes across.

Right, well I've tested the alternatate ending, and followed Badge's advice on the cutting down and here is version 2: I think I like this one better.
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Train Chef

Large 'Royal Train Line' train provider company logo in shot. Desk and two chairs set up face-to-face interview style. Interviewer- 50something white male. Sandeep- young Indian male.

Interviewer: Well, Sandeep, we've had a chance to look over your application and CV, and I must say we're very impressed. So, we are delighted to offer you the job. So, you'll start on Monday.

Sandeep: Oh fantastic! Thank you, I really appreciate it.

Interviewer: Here is your uniform. OH, and your name badge.

Sandeep: Examines name badge Um, sorry, but this says 'Paul'.

Interviewer: What's the problem?

Sandeep: Well, name's not Paul.

Interviewer: Yes, well Sandeep isn't very "train chef" is it?

Sandeep: I'm sorry?

Interviewer: I mean, Royal Train Line customers have come to expect a certain 'standard' of naming when they use our services.

Silence

We did consider Robert, but we thought that sounded a bit... French.

Shocked silence from Sandeep

Interviewer: Well, jolly good. Well that's enough for today, I'll see YOU Monday.

Continuing shocked silence from Sandeep

Interviewer: to intercom Stuart, can you come and show Paul out please?

Enters dejected looking black male in full aboriginal dress, wearing a name tag "Stuart"

Excellent. Much funnier!

Hooray!

Good re-write, much better! Well done.

Double hooray!

Yes this is way better pretty damn nice