Hilariously funny
Faulty Tower the Dining Experience at President Hotel is an unforgettable night that will quite literally have you laughing your head off. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the classic sitcom in the 70s (like myself – a millennium weirdo wasting her time watch silly old sitcoms), or completely new to it, like my friend was, you’re in for a riotous time.
The experience is built around three iconic characters: the snobbish and neurotic Basil (Lawrence Watling), the sharp-tongued and domineering Sybil (Nerine Skinner), and the ever-clueless yet endearing Manuel (Leigh Kelly). Together, they faithfully recreate the chaotic, dysfunctional atmosphere of the infamous hotel in Torquay. Following from a “normal” wine reception operated by ushers and hosts, Basil and Manuel opens the show full of orders and misinterpretations, instantly transforming the guests from a well-organised, decent international hotel in London to this little hostel full of dramas and unstable comics in southwest England.
Once the chaotic bread service kicks off, your dining experience officially begin. Of course, in this madhouse, the only thing you can predict is that nothing is predictable. The show cleverly weaves in familiar plots from the original series, including horse racing bets, a fire drill, the “hamster,” and of course, the Germans. No spoilers here further, as I do not want to ruin your intact package of surprises.
Nevertheless, the real genius of the evening lies not just in these nostalgic tributes, but in the cast’s incredible improvisational skills to engage and play with the guests. They can always spot on a certain guest, taking up on the smallest cue and spin it into comic gold with effortless charm. If you’re something of a drama queen yourself, your willingness to join in will absolutely heighten your experience. But even if you’re more reserved, you’ll be thoroughly entertained as well. There’s more than enough madness on offer to have you in stitches.
As for the food – while I won’t pretend to be a food critic – I can faithfully report what was served: a soup starter (with a bit of harmless theatrical chaos thrown in), grilled chicken leg with vegetables for the main, and a cheesecake for dessert. Dietary requirements can be catered for, and the team will check with you in ahead of time. You’re not expecting for Michelin star dining here, but that’s perfectly fine. After hall, the food is solid, but the evening is all about the showy theatrical experience.