Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
Image: Anthony Sottile as Manuel
It’s hard to believe there were only ever 12 episodes made of the classic BBC comedy, Fawlty Towers, although it does explain why fans can readily quote any line from any scene from any episode. This affectionate knowledge of the series is part of what has made Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience such a phenomenal success worldwide.
The immersive dinner show recreates the one and a half star service of the eponymous hotel run by Basil and Sybil Fawlty with little help from their hapless Spanish waiter/porter/whatever, Manuel. With the performance being around 70% improvised and audience participation actively encouraged, what ensues is “organised chaos!” according to Anthony Sottile who is Production Assistant and has played Manuel for the last eight years.
There are 10 actors for each character and they perform together based on availability. So how do they keep characterisations consistent across different teams?
“The main thing is that Fawlty Towers the series becomes your bible,” says Rhian McLean who plays Sybil. Each actor knows their character so thoroughly, they can react naturally to whatever the audience throws at them – and audience members do like to test them. It’s a true test of focus and reflexes because, while the actors need to interact with audience, they also have to stay in the moment and relevant to the scenario they’re currently in.
“You’ve got to be careful… because you can break the illusion,” explains Luke Gibney who plays Basil.
The premise for this show is that the three characters are actually running the restaurant in which the audience is dining (it does not use dialogue or scenes from the BBC series). They greet you at the door, serve food, and may occasionally throw things, yell and stand on the table.
“It’s quite universal,” says Sottile. “We all experience bad hospitality.”
Mar 21-25. Sydney Opera House, Utzon Room, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $149-$179+b.f. (includes 3 course meal by Aria). Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
By Rita Bratovich.
