I had the pleasure of attending Faulty Towers The Dining Experience in London on Thursday night, and what an absolute treat it was. As a fan of the original TV series, I was thrilled to find that the show stays wonderfully faithful to the spirit of the classic sitcom, blending sharp character comedy with brilliantly chaotic interactions and a generous helping of nostalgia.
The cast was pitch-perfect in their roles. Lawrence Watling captured Basil Fawlty’s mean-spirited mania and hapless charm to perfection – his performance was just the right level of manic energy that fans of the show will instantly recognise. Nerine Skinner, an accomplished comedian and comic writer in her own right, played Sybil with flair, nailing the character’s sharp wit and cutting presence.
Leigh Kelly’s portrayal of Manuel was an absolute standout. His physical comedy was a delight – spot on in timing and energy and displaying similar pathos and clowning skills to those that Andrew Sachs brought to the role in the 1970s TV series. It’s no surprise to learn Kelly has been with the London production for all 13 years; his performance was seasoned, confident, and utterly hilarious.
They say 13 is unlucky for some, but in this case, it’s fortunate for London to have had this fun show running for so long. The longevity is a testament to how brilliantly executed and consistently entertaining it is.
What made the evening special was the clever mix of scripted pieces and improvised audience interactions. We were treated to familiar snippets and scenarios inspired by iconic episodes, which had everyone laughing, especially those who knew the references. The improvised moments added spontaneity and made each table feel part of the action. Sitting at shared tables also added to the fun – we had a great time chatting and laughing with new faces, which made the whole experience even more memorable.
The food was good, with vegan and gluten-free options available, and served in character – even the hotel’s waiters were joining in the fun. This just added to the immersive atmosphere. Whilst the main draw is the comedy and experiencing Basil, Sybil, and Manuel close-up, it was good to enjoy a proper sit-down meal as part of the show.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Fawlty Towers or just in the mood for an entertaining and unique night out, this experience comes highly recommended.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is booking now until December 2025, for tickets visit www.interactivetheatre.com.au.
Words by Helen Keegan
Photography Rosie Powell
