Reviewer: Erin Elston
Eating at Faulty Towers is most people’s idea of a nightmare. Huddled in the alleyway next to the Be’st Restaurant, trying to escape the flight path of disgruntled pigeons, the assembled audience, ranging from die-hard fans to youngsters who weren’t born at the height of the show’s success, begin to wonder whether a grave mistake has been made.
The experience quickly descends into chaos, as the Faulty staff try to serve canapés. It’s scary to see how wrong a tray of nuts can go. The seating chart is managed by our excellent host Basil- woe betide anyone who doesn’t move swiftly.
Interactive Theatre International deliver soundly on their promise. Basil, Sybil and Manuel are portrayed with colour and vibrancy by a clever three-strong cast, in the brilliant setting of Be’st restaurant- slightly dishevelled by the addition of some carefully chosen Faulty Towers knick knacks.Iconic moments from the show are played out amid a lunch service, as the cast play with the diners and waiters alike. No one is safe from the high jinx, and the atmosphere is convivial – though diners are often left wondering whether they will receive a meal, and if they do what horror awaits when the plates are passed.
Jokes aside, the meal is decent and, despite the apparent chaos, served in a timely manner. The only niggle is that the restaurant setting throws up some sight line issues – this meant missing out on some funny visual gags at times.
In its long residency at the Fringe, Faulty Towers has evolved to become a well-oiled machineand a favourite among the throng of visitors and locals alike. Highly, highly recommended.
Runs until 29 August 2016 | Image: Contributed
