Three of the principal characters from the iconic and supremely funny BBC TV series Fawlty Towers are waiting to serve you (or not) when you book in to this interactive, immersive dining-cum-theatre experience.
Expect to be greeted by Basil (Jack Newell) or Sybil (Monique Lewis Reynolds), one of whom will direct you to your (Covid-safe) table. Manuel (Anthony Sottile, above) is likely to be wandering around, smiling and looking confused. Your drinks order taken, the stage is now set for a three-course meal and two hours of improvised comedy, Fawlty Towers-style. Given Manuel’s limited English and Basil’s limited empathy, it might be a little while before your first course arrives. In the Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House, it was worth the wait.
I’ve been to the Utzon Room before, but this was the first time bread rolls were literally thrown on to the tables, courtesy of Sottile’s Manuel. This was after some acrobatic tricks, involving ‘roll on the table’ and ‘roll on the plate’. You probably get the idea.
Sybil is cracking the whip and Basil is looking like he would rather be anywhere other than the dining room in a hotel in England’s Torquay.
Given that every audience will be different, every night will be different. Four birthdays and two wedding anniversaries were called out on the night I dined so expect a little audience participation (or be very careful with details when you make your booking). For fans of the original series, there is much fun to be had, with homages to Basil’s trademark silly walk and his attempts to back a winning horse; Manuel’s distress when his rat disappears and general bewilderment with vocabulary; and Sybil’s hoarse laugh and despairing attitude (and special mention should go to her wig).
It is a brave actor who impersonates John Cleese’s Basil but Newell had the egregious mannerisms and the posture (though not quite the smarminess of the original Basil); Reynold’s long-suffering, nagging and lazy Sybil was recognisable at 20 paces and Sottile’s Manuel was endearing and magnificently funny.
Brisbane born in April 1997, this homage to the orginal TV series written by John Cleese and Connie Booth has become an international institution, performed around the world by more than 30 actors. Sydney dates for the rest of this year are 15 May, 25 September and 4 Dec at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel; and 4 and 5 June at the Parkroyal Parramatta. Prices vary according to venue. Full details of the statewide Australian tour can be found on https://www.torquaysuitetheatre.com/tickets_aus.html
Website: www.faultytowersdining.com
