2009 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Reviews:
Sunday Express (23 August 2009)
*****
IT DOESN'T take long for the peace and quiet to be shattered as I'm tucking into my lunch of beef stew. "Basiiiiiiiiiil," comes the high-pitched screech from somewhere behind me, "there's a hotel inspector here. He'll shut us down!" Turning to see what the commotion is all about, it comes somewhat as a shock to find Basil Fawlty and wife, Sybil, staring ominously down towards me.
With my notepad on the table, ready to review this most anticipated of shows, it seems I've suddenly, and unwittingly, become part of the entertainment. Within seconds, Basil, played by fine Australian actor Michael Davoren, is fawning all over the table. "Let me clear your plates, Mr Inspector. Can I get you anything? Can I help? If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. We run a very clean establishment here. Very clean".
Then it's Sybil's turn. Dusting herself down, she thrusts a bejewelled hand out and says: "I'm sooooo pleased to meet you Mr Hotel Inspector. We only use the finest of hand soap in this establishment, you know, the finest."
Fawlty's back again, thrusting a packet of soap detergent towards me. "Clean," he pipes up. "Yes, we're very clean". At the same time, Spanish waiter Manuel, played by Daley Donnelly, sidles up with brush in hand, sweeping the floor and dusting the tables, with exuberant over-enthusiasm.
Then, Basil bursts out of the kitchen clutching a huge bag of carrots and marches straight past my table, waving the contents at me. "We only use the freshest of ingredients in our food, don't we Sybil".
Meanwhile, out of the blue, diners in the corner shout out, in unison: "Mmmm, we loved our food. It is of the highest standard."
"You hear that?" Sybil says as she nods in my direction, "Of the highest standard, the highest."
It goes on like this for another 10 minutes, before a stramash in the kitchen, supposedly involving a drunken chef and a rat, pulls Fawlty away.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience became one of the major success stories of the Fringe last year, and it's no wonder - this is arguably the best show at the festival.
In essence, diners at B'est Restaurant are thrown into the middle of a live episode of Fawlty Towers, with the three main characters serving up the food. Most of it is scripted, of course, but much of the fun comes from the off-the-cuff interactions with the guests.
I loved Fawlty Towers, the television series, but in many ways this live production is even better.
It all takes place at a breathtaking pace and you really have to have eyes in the back of your head to see everything that's going on, such as Basil making faces behind his wife's back, or Manuel clambering underneath tables in the corner.
The pair even hang out the windows to the front of the restaurant and shout at passers-by, as well as answer the phones to poor, unsuspecting, souls presumably just trying to book a table for dinner. "Germans," Fawlty says, with a roll of the eyes, before returning to the restaurant floor.
The comedy starts the moment you sit down to the three-course meal, with chairs nailed to the floor, cutlery missing and hot water, rather than cold, in the jugs on the table.
Poor Manuel takes the brunt of the criticism, of course, with Donnelly genius in the role made famous by Andrew Sachs. His attempt to serve the rolls to guests is masterclass, for instance. Following what Fawlty deemed a simple enough instruction of "Manuel. Roll. On Plate", it's hysterical watching the poor waiter try to work out what his boss is talking about. Standing for a few seconds until the penny drops, he lifts a plate from a table, dusts it down and then attempts to, you've guessed it, roll on it on the floor.
Later he brings paper when a diner asks for pepper, and condoms when Sybil screams for extra condiments for one of the tables.
Just as it is in the BBC series, the service is calamitous throughout. My wife and I go without soup for 10 minutes, seemingly forgotten about. "Yes, yes, it's coming, it's coming, keep your hair on," barks Fawlty every time we ask. Then, in the corner behind us, comes a shriek as chef's false teeth find their way into one of the plates.
John Cleese made the role of Basil Fawlty his own during the Seventies, but Davoren, a newcomer on the circuit, does a fantastic job at filling his shoes. Much of the humour comes in the little looks the characters pass to each other, and the one-liners delivered under their breath that only a handful in close vicinity can hear. "Do you have swine flu?" Fawlty asks of Sybil as she wipes her nose before adding, "You probably started it."
Then, charming my wife he enquires, "And where are you from?" When she replies, "Stirling", quick as a flash he responds: "Sterling? Yes, you most certainly are, if I do say so myself."
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is ingenious and is, by far, the best comedy show I have ever been to. There are only a handful of tickets left for this year's Fringe dates although the Australian company behind the production will be touring around the UK later this year.
Reviewer – Derek Lambie
Fringe Review (23 August 2009)
*****
Faulty Towers dining experience is back at B'est restaurant again, taking Edinburgh by storm and selling out even more shows than last year.
The concept of the show is to recreate the 'Faulty Towers' experience for the audience as they are served a lunchtime or evening meal. Three actors play the snappy Basil, baffled Manuel and intensely shrill Sybil. The performances are incredibly studied and very well acted - the voices honed to brusque perfection as the action and chaos unfolds.
A largely middle aged audience reflected those who were undoubtedly fans of the TV show in the 70's, but a surprising stag party of young twenty somethings seemed to enjoy the evening immensely and behaved themselves very well despite repeated baiting by Basil (much to the relief of the cast I can imagine, who had no choice but to tease the group's 'suit effect t-shirts'!) As I'm sure they do every night, the entire audience entered into the spirit of the piece with gusto, playing along with Basil's unpleasantness and screaming appropriately at Manuel's pet 'hamster'!
Some choice scenes specifically taken from the TV show are dotted amongst the general chaos of serving 84 people their food at the same time, and upon discovering my name and realising I was the reviewer in that night, I was quickly cast as the hotel inspector, and Basil's toadying reached fever pitch!
This show does not pretend to be anything other than what it is - it is a skillfully produced and well acted imitation of a much loved TV series, and the audiences seem to lap up the gimmick. It is a great evening out, but I feel a little overpriced for what you get - the food portions really are quite small, and the lack of vegetables with the meal disappointing. However, as it's full every night the credit crunch clearly hasn't affected the hallowed halls of Faulty Towers Dining Experience and I am sure they will be back next year after their mammoth UK tour.
Reviewer - Alice Booth
British Theatre Guide
*****
And what an experience this is! With Sybil, Basil and Manuel running your evening, be prepared for inappropriate comments, slow service and lots and lots of laughter. With classic moments re-enacted and plenty of improvisation, this talented trio embody the spirits of these famous characters with great gusto and panache. Manuel gets beaten up more than once, Basil loses his temper and Sybil's piercing voice is like chalk on a blackboard every time she shouts 'Baaasil' across the crowded restaurant.
I got teased for attending the event alone and my fellow diners shared more than one red faced moment in the interactive process. Some may be embarrassed whereas others (a birthday party to my right!) saw the evening as a challenge and proceeded to heckle and be as awkward as possible for the actors. Either way everything is handled with humour in a light hearted manner and a thoroughly enjoyable evening is had by all. This is a once in a lifetime dining experience - that I fully intend to repeat next year!
Reviewer - Amy Yorston
Edinburgh Evening News (14 August 2009)
*****
Another souper show, Manuel.
There are probably very few restaurants where appalling service, obnoxious hosts and an escaped rat would be considered the high points of the night.
For the team behind the Faulty Towers Dining Experience, however, these are just some of the ingredients that make their show one of the must-see - or must experience - events of the Fringe.
Following the sell-out Edinburgh debut last year, the team from the Interactive Theatre Australia are back to give audiences the opportunity to dine at the restaurant of the world's worst hotelier, Basil Faulty.
The experience begins before guests even enter the B'est Restaurant, on Drummond Street, which has bravely turned over its interior to the show.
An exasperated Basil Faulty dashes back and forth past the queue of diners, muttering and scowling and generally setting the tone for the chaos to come.
And for those who get hungry waiting on dinner, hapless Spanish waiter Manuel is on hand to dish snacks - a single peanut, carefully selected from a tray of peanuts. As a warm up it is perfect, setting the scene, introducing the characters and getting everyone into the right mood.
From there it's onto the restaurant, where guests are herded to their allocated tables as hostess Sybil Faulty encourages them to "get a move on".
And once seated, it will slowly dawn on diners that the tables might just have been set by Manuel, with a few too many knives and not nearly enough spoons.
All of which merely sets up the performers for a few of the gags to come - woe-betide anyone who dares ask Sybil for an extra spoon, while complaining about the condiments to Basil will lead to similar problems.
The bread rolls are flung onto the tables, tiny slivers of butter are passed around by diners, the soup is thumped down by Sybil, with a weary cry of, "This is soup, pass it along" and generally the service is shambolic.
It is organised chaos, however, cleverly choreographed to ensure that everyone is treated to a lovely three-course meal in good time, while the actors interact with each and every table.
As the performers themselves are happy to point out, much of the comedy comes from the audience reaction to what is going on, so the fact that quite a few tables were happy to trade insults with Basil - brilliantly played by Michael Davoren - only adds to the experience.
Other highlights of the night included an ear-splitting rendition of Happy Birthday by Sybil - the shrieking-harpy portrayal of Alison Pollard-Mansergh again spot-on - and the put-upon Manuel showing guests his suspiciously rat-like Siberian hamster Basil.
With so much audience interaction, not to mention a wide range of scripts to draw on, the Faulty Towers Dining Experience is different every night, although it's impossible to imagine being anything less than utterly delicious entertainment.
Reviewer - Gareth Edwards
Three Weeks (31 August 2009)
*****
What if someone doesn't know about hapless Basil, hopeless Manuel and hyena-esque Sybil and is unfamiliar with the rat ("'amster!"), the goosestepping, the bicker, the secret bet, the slapstick, the brilliant and ever-quotable lines which withstand the mildew of time even now? If that someone enjoys good food (the crme brulee was divine) and can put up with some lousy service and an eager-to-please Maitre D', then B'Est restaurant is the place for them. With a relaxed atmosphere where wine is quaffed (though not included in the value-for-money prices) punctuated by shouts of "BASIL!" and Manuel singing 'Y Viva Espana' on a table, the doppelgangers' sense of fun is passed onto the diners. Do mention this show.
Reviewer – Johnathon Brick
Lothian Life (19 August 2009)
*****
Fringe shows come in all shapes and sizes; an audience sitting in front of a stage is practically an endangered species these days. No wonder then that one of the most original and witty Fringe events is a meal in V'est restaurant in Drummond Street served by Basil, Sybil and Manuel.
"Faulty Towers - the dining experience" is the brainchild of Interactive Theatre Australia, Alison Pollard-Mansergh and Andy Foreman to be precise. The Faulty Towers experience has performed for many years throughout Australia, South-East Asia and the UK, including a sell-out season at the 2008 Fringe. This year Michael Davoren has taken on the role of Basil, and a mighty fine Basil he is, too. This IS John Cleese in his hey-day - voice, appearance, walk, and irascibility. Alison Pollard-Mansergh struts her stuff as a highly convincing Sybil, intimidating all around her with her glacier stare and piercing voice. The braying laugh is spot on, too. Daley Donnelly flaps around as Manuel - breaking plates, diving under tables, bringing his pet rat round for us all to admire. The humour is kind and non-threatening to the diners. There was (allegedly) a large group of gynaecologists there at my lunch date, and they provided a rich seam of back chat and banter. The tables are wrongly laid - 2 forks at one setting, 2 knives at another, 3 pepper pots, no salt on the table - but the food is tasty - soup, a choice of 2 main courses plus a vegetarian option, and dessert. People are asked about their dietary requirements, and these are catered for. The humour starts right from the time you arrive to queue to go in and goes on for the 2 hour meal. Lunch is at 2.30pm, dinner at 9pm. Well worth a booking.
Reviewer - Ros MacKenzie
Whats On Stage (27 August 2009)
****
The audience-as-dinner guests phenomenon is nothing new, but this affectionate tribute to one of the greatest ever sit-coms is on a more ambitious scale than most.
An audience of roughly 40 gather in the alleyway beside Edinburgh’s B’Est restaurant; waiters smoke and bins are taken out, no-one really knows what to expect. Suddenly, ‘Basil’ appears (Michael Davoren sporting a stuck-on ‘tash, half-masts and checked blazer), and, after a lengthy seating process the mayhem begins.
It takes a while to adjust to the rhythm of the piece. The initial exchanges are quite personal, with Basil, Sybil (Alison Pollard-Mansergh) and Manuel (Daley Donnelly) circulating the tables and making life suitably uncomfortable for the patrons. Manuel misinterprets orders and Basil makes waspish remarks – all is in perfect disorder.
When chef’s false teeth go missing, the performance springs into life and suddenly a narrative begins to unfold. I say narrative, in fact it’s more of a ‘greatest hits’ parade of famous Fawlty Towers moments, so Basil the Rat, the horse bet and the goose-step are all weaved in between the (edible if not delectable) courses. I even found myself cast as the hotel inspector as soon as Basil spotted the notepad on my table, becoming one of a number of audience cameos.
These interactions are well handled and the two hours tick by with military precision; the food and drink service is ironically a lot more reliable than one finds in most restaurants. And the performances, whilst inevitably impressionistic in nature, are good enough to ensure it remains a fitting and original tribute as opposed to a mere gimmick.
Reviewer – Theo Bosanquet
AussieTheatre.com (13 August 2009)
Fringe hots up
There are quite a number of Australian theatre companies up here at the Ed Fringe this year including the Interactive Theatre Australia which presents Faulty Towers, the dining experience. A sell out on the Fringe last year and very popular in Holland and Europe this belly achingly funny show is 100% worth every penny of the £39 which includes a 3 course meal served up with the comedy of three excellent impersonators playing Sybil, Basil and Manuel. All hailing from Brisbane this trio work the room in perfect sync. Michael Davoren, the actor who plays Basil says 60% of the piece is improvised. In all honesty much of the humour and carry on depends on how interactive your audience wants to be.
Alison Pollard- Mansergh artistic director of the company and Sybil said to me that in Holland the audience don’t get excited or involved to the very end where they then give them a standing ovation, whereas in Britain and Australia the reaction is completely different. There is a heckling footy crowd who attends in Australia, whereas the British audience are slightly more discerning, perhaps because the humour is closer to their hearts. I got as involved as I could and as a result I believe my experience was all the better for it.
The actors completely embody their characters and even before we are seated the hilarious interaction begins outside with Basil insisting we get up against the wall ‘like Berlin’ and you can see what we are in for from that moment on. The faux pas from the ever confused Manuel played with great believability and likeness by Daley Donnelly, taking everything way too literally including some incidents with nuts and condiments, coupled with the frustrations of Basil huffing and puffing and Sybil at regular intervals screeching Man-Ueeeeel or Baaaasillll ensure there is never a dull moment. They use what they have essentially. Our forks and knives are the wrong way around and although the food is definitely edible you may find a few problems with yours if you are unlucky or lucky as you may see it in this particular situation.
I have never really watched Fawlty Towers, however the in jokes are set in context of the evening so the Faulty Towers dining experience doesn’t require an in depth knowledge of the TV show, however I am sure it would make it even more enjoyable. The food is edible, though definitely far from a highlight, and if it was better, the experience may have been the best of my fringe experience this year. However the fact that it is not perfect probably carries part of the charm. The other staff, waiters and the like; do a great job ensuring the meals get to the customers on time and things are cleaned up quickly without much fuss, despite the comic turns from the three impersonators. People look in from the street adding to the drama, and my step mum is even evicted from the restaurant briefly by Basil in an attempt to demonstrate a fire drill procedure. There is a large group of American tourists on the night we went so there is a cacophony of yank jokes.
The company have a few other shows going on up here which can also be booked on their website. There are various podcast interviews with these guys in character on www.fringereview.com if you are interested but can’t quite get to Edinburgh.
To book the dining experience and this is something you won’t want to miss at the Fringe go to http://www.interactivetheatre.com.au. Playing nightly at 2:30pm for lunch and 9pm for dinner until 31st August.
Reviewer - Skye Crawford
The List (21 August 2009)
***
Excellent impersonations but no Waldorf salad
Unsurprisingly, dining at Faulty Towers is a tense experience. From the moment we arrive at B’est restaurant, Basil, Sybil and Manuel (but alas no Polly) are on hand to ensure that our meal is anything but straightforward, and by the time we reach the third course we’ve been exposed to all the rats, Germans and betting-slips that any die-hard fan could ask for.
But a guest at Faulty Towers the Dining Experience is a very different creature to a guest at Fawlty Towers the Torquay hotel. Where John Cleese’s on-screen Basil induces shock and outrage in his clientele, this one serves up chicken and mushrooms (‘are you enjoying your breast, madam?’) to a baying audience all too ready with quips, boos, and moans of pity for the put-upon Manuel. It truly is Fawlty Towers: the Panto – there’s no way an endeavour like this could be anything but – and if you’re considering a sedate lunch-date you’d do well to bear that in mind.
For what they are, the impersonations are excellent. Basil and Manuel in particular don’t hit a false note. The food, however, is truly abysmal.
Reviewer – Lizzie Mitchell
The Scotsman (21 August 2009)
***
IF YOU can’t get enough of Fawlty Towers – and yes, it is such a shame there were only 12 episodes (albeit they were perfectly formed) – then why not actually visit Faulty Towers for lunch or dinner?
But if you’re wary of the rude, incompetent and perhaps even dangerous service customers can get at the hands of Basil and Manuel, fear not. Bread rolls may be thrown but they are tasty. The meal is good and the abuse meted to guests is, for the most part, gentle. Except for one poor girl manhandled out of the restaurant for a fire drill, but she seemed a good sport.
Michael Daveron is a convincing Basil, Nazi salute and all, while Alison Pollard-Mansergh as Sybil should win an award for her perfect coiffure and patronising laugh. The show is a marvel of logistics and timing as a three-course meal is served while the actors shout at or chase each other from one end of the restaurant to the other. They perform some routines inspired by the show – but Waldorf salad is not on the menu. At least not at lunch.
Reviewer – Erikka Askeland
Audience Reviews (edfringe.com)
 What a buzz 24 Aug 2009
reviewer: Tina Warren, Scotland
A truly unique experience. You are transported to the 1975 comedy restaurant. I was picked on more than most, but even so I still loved it. Even if you're not a big Fawlty Towers fan - kill for a ticket. You won't regret it.
 Marvellous 18 Aug 2009
reviewer: Russell, UK
Brilliant. Nuff said.
 Transported to Torquay 15 Aug 2009
reviewer: Carl, Bristol,England
Cracking recreation of the original cast by three very talented individuals. They manage to keep everyone entertained and serve your food, which was very good for the money considering you get a 2hr comedy show as well. Expect to be picked on, great fun and very different.
 Is Siberian Hamster 14 Aug 2009
reviewer: Hailey, UK
Perfectly performed by all three members of the cast, with the all-important Basil faultlessly delivered by Michael Davoren. Be prepared to be picked on by Mr Fawlty though!
 Flawless 14 Aug 2009
reviewer: Maisie, Hertfordshire
It couldn't have been more perfect with John Cleese, Andrew Sacs and Prunella Scales. Frankly, it might as well have been them the impressions were that good. The food wasn't great but I'm being picky, what do I want for £29,two hours, three courses and one of the best shows at the Fringe?
 Brilliant. Brilliant. THE SHOW OF THE FESTIVAL! 12 Aug 2009
reviewer: Matt , UK
When you go to a show you want to be entertained. You also want to engage with the actors and don't they do it here. The performers are all excellent. Their interactions with punters is hilarious and the food wasn't bad either! Only downside- Restaurant too small and you're squeezed in like battery Hens!
 you are fed as well 11 Aug 2009
reviewer: Peter, England
Couldn't get a ticket last year, so booked as soon as the programme came out. Just as well, bound to be a sell out this year as well, hilarity and involvement from the beginning and a very good meal. Book if you can, but if not get in first next year.
 watery fowls 11 Aug 2009
reviewer: Major,
Superb ! Everything you would expect it to be, and more. Don't be put off by the price when you consider this is 2 hours worth of entertainment, and you are saving on the price of a meal. The house wine is only £12 a bottle as well. I won't spoil it by putting in any details, but expect to be 'interactive'. Unfortunately no Waldorf Salad or Duck Surprise.
 Get tickets if you can 09 Aug 2009
reviewer: The Rowlands, UK
Hilarious. You'll be laughing for 2 hours. And the food was great too - proper homemade restaurant food (with a choice of main course), not Fawlty Towers style food! Excellent service too.
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