Peter

Peter is a twenty-three-year-old German cook with a specialty in fish, who has been honing his skills at the Tivoli, a restaurant in London, for three years. He emerges as a dominant force within the play, driven by a fervent, excitable energy that borders on manic by the end, culminating in his destructive outburst involving the restaurant's gas supply and crockery. His quarrelsome and jealous nature, combined with an almost hysterical laugh, suggests deep emotional instability. Initially, Peter is embroiled in a conflict with Gaston, and throughout the play, his tumultuous affair with Monique, characterized by frustration and volatility, unfolds. Despite seeing himself as "a merry fool going into battle," he concedes his inability to "dream" of a better life, resorting instead to childish games. Peter is a complex character, filled with unresolved contradictions and a surplus of unchanneled energy.

Hans

Hans is another German on an exchange program, four years Peter's junior. He often communicates in German with Peter, especially when his English falters under stress, such as during interactions with Cynthia, a waitress he is enamored with. Hans stands out as the only cook who seems to truly understand Peter, often helping to soothe him. Generally cheerful and bold, Hans adds a lighter dynamic to the otherwise tense kitchen atmosphere.

Monique

Monique, a waitress at the Tivoli, is involved in a rocky relationship with Peter, despite being somewhat older. She has been pregnant by him twice, with both pregnancies ending in presumed back-street abortions. Although Peter fervently wishes for her to leave her husband, Monty, and be with him, it becomes increasingly clear that Monique has no intention of doing so, as Monty provides her with the material comforts she desires. The cycle of arguments and reconciliations between Monique and Peter is emblematic of their relationship's volatility, contributing to Peter's eventual destructive behavior.

Paul

Paul, a young Jewish pastry cook, balances the chaos in the kitchen with his steady demeanor alongside Raymond and Alfredo. Serving as a mediator in disputes, he is troubled by his wife's abandonment. During a rare moment of tranquility in the kitchen, Paul confronts Peter about his disapproval of Peter's frenetic energy. In the play's longest monologue, Paul articulates a vision of solidarity among workers, reflecting both his and the playwright's aspiration for unity and peace in the microcosm of the kitchen and beyond.

Kevin

Kevin is a new addition to the kitchen, having transitioned from a slower-paced restaurant, attracted by better compensation at the Tivoli. Together with Anne, he embodies the Irish presence in this diverse culinary setting. Kevin is overwhelmed by the pace, expressing that the frenetic environment hampers his ability to perform quality work and physically keep up. His complaints elicit responses from his fellow cooks, who share their own methods of coping with the intense demands.

Gaston

Gaston, the eldest of the quartet of Cypriots, is around forty years old and has resided in England for an extended period. At the play's outset, he has just been involved in a fight with Peter. Gaston, alongside Nicholas, harbors a dislike for Peter, possibly extending to Germans altogether. This unresolved quarrel further exacerbates the personal and ethnic tensions simmering in the kitchen.

Dimitri

Dimitri is one of the four Cypriots who play a role in the kitchen's dynamics, contributing to the cultural diversity and inherent tensions within the staff.

Nicholas

Nicholas, another member of the Cypriot group, shares Gaston's disdain for Peter, which likely fuels the ongoing discord in the Tivoli's kitchen.

Mangolis

Mangolis rounds out the group of Cypriot characters, each adding their unique presence to the play's exploration of...