Having heard much buzz about Faulty Towers The Original Dining Experience, I was keen to see if the show could live up to the original TV series often voted the best comedy ever – so big shoes to fill!

The concept is simple: a themed dinner experience based on the classic British sitcom "Fawlty Towers," with actors impersonating Basil Fawlty, Sybil, and Manuel, serving food and interacting with the guests throughout the evening in a combination of set pieces and some improvisation.

While it was an enjoyable experience overall, it perhaps unsurprisingly fell short of some of the expectations I had, and with tickets costing up to £80 (including dinner) I felt this was very steep.

Taking place in the dining room of The President Hotel in Russell Square, the venue whilst ideal for dining felt a little cramped at times for a performance and depending on which table you were sat at (and where on the table) at times it could be difficult to see/hear what was happening.

As soon as we entered, we were greeted by Basil  (Lawrence Watling) who immediately began his role as the disorganised and rude hotel owner. The interaction between the actors was lively, and it was clear they were well-versed in their characters, often improvising to engage with the guests. The humour was absurd and, at times, hilarious, with a few standout moments of comedy that had the whole room in stitches. The actors worked hard to keep the atmosphere light-hearted and funny, maintaining a sense of fun throughout the evening.

However, while the actors were impressive in their portrayals, the experience as a whole didn’t always feel as smooth or seamless as I had hoped. There were moments where the interactions felt a bit forced or repetitive, particularly with some of the scripted lines. It was clear that some of the actors were having fun with their improvisations, but at times it seemed to derail the flow of the dinner, especially when they engaged in lengthy skits that delayed the course serving. I understand the experience is meant to be unpredictable, but there were moments where the interruptions felt more frustrating than amusing.

The food itself was somewhat underwhelming. For a themed dinner experience, I didn’t expect Michelin-star cuisine, but the quality of the dishes didn’t quite match the ticket price. The menu was simple, with only one option (aside from dietary requirements) that didn’t offer much in the way of flair or excitement. The portions were modest, and while the food was decent, it wasn’t anything to rave about. The service, much like the rest of the evening, had its ups and downs – some courses were served promptly, while others took far longer than expected. Given the nature of the show, I didn’t mind the delays too much, but it did contribute to the feeling that the event could have been more polished.

One of the more enjoyable aspects of the experience was the interaction with fellow diners. Manuel (Leigh Kelly) in particular proved very popular with audience and Nerine Skinner as Sybil seemed adept at managing the more potentially disruptive guests whilst remaining in character. It’s clear that the night thrives on audience participation, and those who are in the spirit of joining in seemed to have the most fun. The actors frequently singled out guests for some playful ribbing, which led to some hilarious moments and a real sense of camaraderie among the group. That being said, there were also moments where it felt like the actors were too focused on certain guests, leaving others feeling a little left out or awkward and some of the jokes could offend those less familiar with the nature of the TV series.

In conclusion, Faulty Towers The Original Dining Experience is a fun and unique night out for fans of the sitcom, with plenty of laughs and chaotic moments to enjoy. However, it’s not without its flaws. The food could be better, and the flow of the evening could use a bit more polish. It’s an enjoyable experience, but one that doesn’t quite reach its full potential, and I left feeling that it could have been a little more consistent in both its comedy and service. Would I recommend it? In conclusion an enjoyable performance from a talented cast but let down by the service and setting.

This show was reviewed on the 3rd April 2025 at The President Hotel, London where it runs until the 21st December 2025.  Tickets available here: Faulty Towers Live in London | Interactive Theatre

Review written by Mike Stocks

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