Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience

From our roll call in the Thistle’s lobby – “Yes you, the riff-raff by the bar” – to the cack-handed evacuation of guests – “Is fire, is fire!” – this high-energy, spot-on farce threw traditional notions of theatre  (along with kippers, plates and ladies’ lingerie) crashing out the window. Embodying the original show’s characters to a T, Basil, Sybil and Manuel had their diners – and some genuine hotel employees – shrieking with horror whilst weeping with laughter as, through a barrage of improvisation, innuendo, and audience interaction (or assault), they somehow fed us a surprisingly edible three-course dinner. Not for those of a nervous disposition (or with food allergies), the experience could only be described as totally surreal – and utterly sublime.

Thistle Hotel, 5 May 2012 (Running until 27 May, except Mondays)
Rating:
Colette Bernhardt