Review – Faulty Towers, The Dining Experience – Thistle Hotel, Brighton

There are many exciting and exotic restaurants in Brighton but, if you want food that is quite literally “served” at you, a place where the manager is verbally and physically abused by his dragon of a wife and where you are very likely to be inappropriately touched by the waiter then you have to head for the Thistle Hotel on the seafront to take part in Faulty Towers, the dining experience.

The experience actually begins in the sumptuous foyer of the luxurious Thistle Hotel, Brighton, where guests are greeted by the trio of stars each performing their functions. Basil, played by Corin Stuart, mingles, and fawns over, the assembled diners whilst barking instructions at Manuel (Anthony Clegg) until he is interupted by the shrill voice of Suzanna Hughes as Sybil, who takes no time in belittling her husband and taking full control of the situation.

Events quickly move to the dining room, where guests are treated to a combination of Faulty Tower classics, such as the betting slip, a run though of the fire drill and even a visit from the “Siberian hamster” together with some smashing site specific material. It is also in this environment that the interactive experience has the opportunity to shine, with each table receiving  a unique experience according to the demographics of their party. Despite the erratic nature of the service, the three course meal is just as tasty and appetizing as one would expect from such a prestigious hotel.

Originally performed by Interactive Theatre International in Australia, this production is the brainchild of Alison Pollard and Andy Foreman, who have expertly cherry picked the best scenes for the iconic series and turned them into a two and half hour festival of all that is best about the original series. The fact that this show is now in its seventeenth year, and has travelled the globe, demonstrates just how well the piece has been received by its audience.

It is impossible to highlight just one member of this cast, as they have all clearly spent a lot of time learning the quirks and mannerisms of the original cast; from Basil’s abuse of Manuel to Sybil’s shrill voice and distinctive laugh and Manuel’s complete lack of understanding, the attention to detail is faultless. In addition to their near perfect individual interpretations, the cast also work faultlessly together as a team.

From the most dedicated fans of the series right through to those less familiar, the entire audience is treated to an authentic, chaotic, eccentric and hilarious Faulty Towers experience – the kind that only a british seaside resort can deliver.

Five stars           *****