Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience (Salford)

Popular 1970s sitcom, Fawlty Towers featuring chaotic hotelier Basil, his bossy wife, Sybil, and their downtrodden waiter, Manuel, became a classic in just twelve television episodes. Interactive Theatre Australia breathe the life back into these well loved characters through their international tour running into 2012.

Fans will be pleased to note that the most memorable scenes from the TV series are included; Manuel’s ‘hamster’, hotel fire drills and Basil’s famous walk all make a welcome return. The cast stay in character effortlessly, responding to good natured heckles from a well-behaved and appreciative audience.

The company make great use of the space, constantly moving to ensure everyone gets at least one close-up of the action during the evening. This inevitably results in a lot of swivelling and shifting in seats so the ‘interval’ during the main course provides a welcome rest for the eyes.

The whole experience is very social; tables of ten provide an opportunity to get to know the neighbours as you swap odd bits of cutlery and duck flying bread rolls. This unique cross of restaurant dining and slapstick comedy is not for the faint-hearted, but those who enjoy a little banter over the dinner table will find it hilarious.

– Poppy Helm