x2 Award winner
Won the Wedding Awards thanks to recommendations from couples on Hitched.co.uk.
- 2026
- 2025
The real singing waiters
Did you like this supplier?
1/38
"After being let down and ripped off by another company Gareth called and promised they would do..."
"Absolutely wonderful! Gareth and Sam were fantastic. I cannot praise them enough for their..."
About this supplier
On Hitched.co.uk since 2024
Last update: June 2026
The Real Singing Waiters are a premier UK-based surprise entertainment company specialising in high-energy, immersive performances for weddings, private parties, and corporate events.
Blending seamlessly in with venue staff, their performers appear as professional waiters before dramatically revealing themselves in spectacular fashion—often with a staged mishap or unexpected moment that instantly captures attention. What follows is a dynamic, interactive live music experience designed to transform any event into an unforgettable celebration.
Founded and led by Gareth James, a seasoned performer with experience across West End theatre, television, and international stages, The Real Singing Waiters pride themselves on delivering world-class vocals combined with genuine audience engagement. Their performers are not only exceptional singers but skilled entertainers who know how to read a room and bring every guest into the moment.
Each performance is carefully crafted to suit the event, typically featuring a high-impact 30–35 minute set packed with iconic songs, singalongs, and crowd interaction. From napkin-waving anthems and conga lines to show-stopping finales and even the occasional “Dirty Dancing” lift, their shows are designed to get guests on their feet and fully involved.
The company offers a variety of creative “surprise” concepts, including singing waiters, chefs, police officers, and delivery drivers, allowing clients to tailor the experience to their event. Whether performing for an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, The Real Singing Waiters consistently deliver energy, humour, and unforgettable moments.
Renowned for their professionalism, versatility, and ability to elevate any occasion, The Real Singing Waiters have quickly established themselves as one of the South East’s most exciting and sought-after entertainment acts.
Blending seamlessly in with venue staff, their performers appear as professional waiters before dramatically revealing themselves in spectacular fashion—often with a staged mishap or unexpected moment that instantly captures attention. What follows is a dynamic, interactive live music experience designed to transform any event into an unforgettable celebration.
Founded and led by Gareth James, a seasoned performer with experience across West End theatre, television, and international stages, The Real Singing Waiters pride themselves on delivering world-class vocals combined with genuine audience engagement. Their performers are not only exceptional singers but skilled entertainers who know how to read a room and bring every guest into the moment.
Each performance is carefully crafted to suit the event, typically featuring a high-impact 30–35 minute set packed with iconic songs, singalongs, and crowd interaction. From napkin-waving anthems and conga lines to show-stopping finales and even the occasional “Dirty Dancing” lift, their shows are designed to get guests on their feet and fully involved.
The company offers a variety of creative “surprise” concepts, including singing waiters, chefs, police officers, and delivery drivers, allowing clients to tailor the experience to their event. Whether performing for an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, The Real Singing Waiters consistently deliver energy, humour, and unforgettable moments.
Renowned for their professionalism, versatility, and ability to elevate any occasion, The Real Singing Waiters have quickly established themselves as one of the South East’s most exciting and sought-after entertainment acts.
Weddings with this supplier
Danielle & Leon
15 photos
Frequently asked questions
Type of entertainment offered:
For children
For adults
Dance
Theatre
Other (Music singing immersive performance Surprise entertainment.
music for dancing
audience participation
singalongs
napkin waving)
What is included in the wedding package?
Our package includes one electrifying Singing Waiters set with a surprise reveal, sing-offs, napkin-waving, and full guest participation—guaranteed to get your wedding reception buzzing!
How far in advance should I contact you?
Our dates fill up quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as possible to secure your spot! Get in touch with Gareth today to check availability—we’d love to be part of your special day
What other services to you provide?
Light
Sound
Other (Vocal performance sets for Mini Band later in the evening are available.
As well as reception singer
All bookings are bespoke to you individually)
Are you able to travel?
Yes, up to 100 miles from London
Is there a charge for travelling?
Yes, after 90 miles its £1 a mile
Do you need specific materials or conditions to offer your service?
Yes, electricity we provide all equipment and sound
How long is the act?
approx 30 to 40 minutes for a singing waiters set but can be customised to suit you
How much time do you need to prepare for an act?
One hour
Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?
With a team
Do you do open-air acts?
Yes
Do you charge per hour or per event?
Per event
If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?
Yes
How do you charge extra time?
live music party set for dancing £150per person per 45 minute set
What are the forms of payment?
bank transfer card or cash
Served in
Essex, Kent and Surrey
Do you have any questions?
Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!Reviews for The real singing waiters
Sarah Sent on 08/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Absolutely Amazing
After being let down and ripped off by another company Gareth called and promised they would do their best to try and rectify and provide us with the surprise we so wanted for our Daughters wedding.
What can I say Dean and Claire didn’t disappoint.
Dean introduced himself soon after we arrived at the venue and whilst serving drinks both mingling in with the waiters did a grand job serving our meals.
Then it started: Dean was hilarious he had every one in fits of laughter and some tables fuming with his jokes and service of bread rolls 🤦🏼♀️
When he finished his hilarious final day speech he burst into song and every one was surprised and relieved that he was a performer and not a waiter and WHAT a performance he and Claire put on.
They had every one dancing singing and waving.
My daughter being lifted high in the air to time of my life was amazing.
All I can say is THE REAL SINGING WAITERS are the best don’t just think about booking Do it.
They delivered and excelled my expectations.
Thank you Gareth for contacting me although with bad news you made the day.
Dean your hilarious you certainly know how to work a crowd Claire you were amazing. Both vocals were outstanding.
Thank you thank you thank you.
What can I say Dean and Claire didn’t disappoint.
Dean introduced himself soon after we arrived at the venue and whilst serving drinks both mingling in with the waiters did a grand job serving our meals.
Then it started: Dean was hilarious he had every one in fits of laughter and some tables fuming with his jokes and service of bread rolls 🤦🏼♀️
When he finished his hilarious final day speech he burst into song and every one was surprised and relieved that he was a performer and not a waiter and WHAT a performance he and Claire put on.
They had every one dancing singing and waving.
My daughter being lifted high in the air to time of my life was amazing.
All I can say is THE REAL SINGING WAITERS are the best don’t just think about booking Do it.
They delivered and excelled my expectations.
Thank you Gareth for contacting me although with bad news you made the day.
Dean your hilarious you certainly know how to work a crowd Claire you were amazing. Both vocals were outstanding.
Thank you thank you thank you.
Hannah Sent on 30/09/2026
5 out of 5 rating
If you are considering them - do it!!!! You will not regret it
Wow wow wow - Gareth firstly thank you so much.
Top communication from the day I enquired to the day of our wedding.
On the day Gareth fitted in as a waiter and went on to deliver an amazing performance. Everyone was up dancing including my 80 year old aunt. Full guest involvement and still being talked about by our guests a week later.
It was the perfect energy boost before the speeches
Again Gareth thank you so much
Top communication from the day I enquired to the day of our wedding.
On the day Gareth fitted in as a waiter and went on to deliver an amazing performance. Everyone was up dancing including my 80 year old aunt. Full guest involvement and still being talked about by our guests a week later.
It was the perfect energy boost before the speeches
Again Gareth thank you so much
Danielle Sent on 26/08/2026
5 out of 5 rating
The Real Singing Waiters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely incredible from start to finish! We honestly couldn’t recommend The Real Singing Waiters enough. Sam blended in SO well with the actual waiting staff that nobody had a clue what was coming — the surprise was brilliant! 😂
When Sam finally started singing, the whole room was completely blown away. He was unbelievably talented, so funny and had everyone up, laughing, singing and dancing. He created such an amazing atmosphere and it was genuinely one of the highlights of our wedding day.
Sam was also so lovely and professional behind the scenes and fitted into the day perfectly without ever feeling intrusive. If you’re debating booking them — DO IT! You absolutely will not regret it. They were honestly amazing and made our wedding even more memorable. ❤️
When Sam finally started singing, the whole room was completely blown away. He was unbelievably talented, so funny and had everyone up, laughing, singing and dancing. He created such an amazing atmosphere and it was genuinely one of the highlights of our wedding day.
Sam was also so lovely and professional behind the scenes and fitted into the day perfectly without ever feeling intrusive. If you’re debating booking them — DO IT! You absolutely will not regret it. They were honestly amazing and made our wedding even more memorable. ❤️
Christie Sent on 21/08/2026
5 out of 5 rating
The Real Singing Waiters - don’t hesitate to book these guys!!
We booked The Real Singing Waiters — Gareth and Joe — as a surprise act at our son’s wedding, and they absolutely nailed the assignment!
From the very beginning, their communication was excellent and professional, giving us complete confidence that the surprise would go perfectly. They certainly delivered! Their police officer performance was fantastic and completely unexpected by the guests.
They got the party started and had everyone up, singing, dancing and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere went from great to absolutely electric, and they were a huge hit with everyone.
Gareth and Joe are incredibly talented, professional, great fun and brilliant at what they do. They made such a memorable contribution to a very special day, and we couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Thank you, Gareth and Joe, for helping make our son’s wedding so unforgettable!
From the very beginning, their communication was excellent and professional, giving us complete confidence that the surprise would go perfectly. They certainly delivered! Their police officer performance was fantastic and completely unexpected by the guests.
They got the party started and had everyone up, singing, dancing and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere went from great to absolutely electric, and they were a huge hit with everyone.
Gareth and Joe are incredibly talented, professional, great fun and brilliant at what they do. They made such a memorable contribution to a very special day, and we couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Thank you, Gareth and Joe, for helping make our son’s wedding so unforgettable!
Happyyellowdecor19031 Sent on 20/08/2026
5 out of 5 rating
No words to honestly reflect how incredible these guys were.
Gareth and Sam were absolutely incredible from start to finish! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They completely nailed the “arrest” of our best man — it was hilarious, perfectly done, and had everyone wondering what on earth was going on at first! 😂 From that moment on, the atmosphere was electric.
Every single one of our guests loved them. Everyone was up dancing, we had a full-on conga going around the room, and they genuinely got the party started. The groom and the lads’ dance still has us in stitches even now, and so many of our guests have told us how blooming fantastic Gareth and Sam were.
Even before the wedding, they were brilliant. We went backwards and forwards over songs trying to make sure we created exactly the atmosphere we wanted, and nothing was ever too much trouble. They helped us work out what would work best, were so patient with all of our questions and ideas, and made the whole process incredibly simple and easy.
Gareth and Sam, you didn’t just perform at our wedding — you became such a memorable part of it. You brought so much fun, energy and laughter to the day and created moments that we’ll be talking about for years.
You really did help make our wedding day what it was, and we cannot recommend The Real Singing Waiters highly enough. If you’re considering booking them — DO IT! You will not regret it. ❤️ in fact you’ll regret you didn’t.
You made the wedding day. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.
Your performance was so entertaining. Your voices! Both of you sound absolutely incredible. You’d have thought Robbie Williams himself had come to the wedding.
We can’t thank you enough.
Mr & Mrs Locke.
They completely nailed the “arrest” of our best man — it was hilarious, perfectly done, and had everyone wondering what on earth was going on at first! 😂 From that moment on, the atmosphere was electric.
Every single one of our guests loved them. Everyone was up dancing, we had a full-on conga going around the room, and they genuinely got the party started. The groom and the lads’ dance still has us in stitches even now, and so many of our guests have told us how blooming fantastic Gareth and Sam were.
Even before the wedding, they were brilliant. We went backwards and forwards over songs trying to make sure we created exactly the atmosphere we wanted, and nothing was ever too much trouble. They helped us work out what would work best, were so patient with all of our questions and ideas, and made the whole process incredibly simple and easy.
Gareth and Sam, you didn’t just perform at our wedding — you became such a memorable part of it. You brought so much fun, energy and laughter to the day and created moments that we’ll be talking about for years.
You really did help make our wedding day what it was, and we cannot recommend The Real Singing Waiters highly enough. If you’re considering booking them — DO IT! You will not regret it. ❤️ in fact you’ll regret you didn’t.
You made the wedding day. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.
Your performance was so entertaining. Your voices! Both of you sound absolutely incredible. You’d have thought Robbie Williams himself had come to the wedding.
We can’t thank you enough.
Mr & Mrs Locke.
Holly Sent on 09/07/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Highlight of the wedding!
Can't thank Gareth enough for the incredible entertainment. Prior to the wedding he always replied promptly and answered any questions we had, and on the day he was beyond excellent. Was defo one of the highlights of our day.
Emma Sent on 08/07/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Excellent from start to finish
Gareth was fantastic from beginning to end. Easy to communicate with and he did an epic session on our day despite very hot temperatures he had almost the whole room on their feet. Would highly recommend.
Clare Sent on 22/06/2026
4.8 out of 5 rating
20th June 2026
Having the signing waiters at our wedding breakfast was amazing! All of our guest were suprised and it was great to get everyone up dancing and singing between courses.
The singer was incredible and helped everyone get involved and have a great time!
All of our guests have said how much they loved the performance!
The singer was incredible and helped everyone get involved and have a great time!
All of our guests have said how much they loved the performance!
Kerry Sent on 15/06/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Best ever time with singing waiters.
What a fabulous show they put on! Our singing waiter Joe picked the best songs, played to the crowd, made us dance and laugh, and had a fabulous voice!!!!
Ellena Sent on 15/05/2026
5 out of 5 rating
The best!!
We had been to a wedding with this service and knew straight away we wanted one for ours! Gareth was incredibly helpful on the build up and then smashed the performance! Us and our guests had the best time singing and dancing with Gareth and we’ve had so many messages after the wedding letting us know how fun it was! Absolutely would recommend booking these guys!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to make your big decisions easier.
Badges
You've seen what other couples are saying
Share what you're looking for and see if it's the right fit for you.Deals
Meet the team
gareth James
owner head waiter
Gareth James – Performer, Presenter & Singing Waiter
Gareth James has spent most of his life captivating audiences as a versatile performer. With a career spanning West End shows, cruise ships, and international stages, he has delighted crowds with his talent, charisma, and stage presence.
A familiar face to many, Gareth was also the presenter of The Sooty Show on ITV, bringing joy to children and families across the UK with his natural warmth and engaging energy. His ability to connect with audiences, both young and old, has made him a sought-after entertainer in various fields.
For the past four years, Gareth has brought his vocal talents and theatrical flair to the role of a singing waiter, surprising and entertaining guests with his powerful performances and infectious enthusiasm. Whether on stage, screen, or in a dining room, Gareth James continues to create unforgettable moments wherever he performs.
Preferred suppliers
Wotton House
5.0 out of 5 rating , 220 reviews
·
Landmark Weddings 
The Harty Estate
5.0 out of 5 rating , 166 reviews
·
Barn Weddings 
Hempstead House
5.0 out of 5 rating , 223 reviews
·
Country Weddings 
Makeup by Angel Lily
Beauty, Hair & Make Up
Map
Kent ME12 Maidstone (Kent)