It’s a mild Autumn evening, and the city is full of friends and family. They are gathering together to be entertained by the amazing shows that are part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. For the next week, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience at the Oaks on Market Hotel is bringing loads of laughter. Brought to you by Interactive Theatre, they tour this show across Europe, the UK, Australia, and Asia. As we arrive in the foyer, there are smiles all round, and this greeting sets the tone for a delightfully immersive experience.
Based on the popular BBC television show Fawlty Towers, Basil, Manuel and Sybil take us back to the ‘70s, serving non-stop comedy with a three-course dinner on the side. The iconic British sitcom, created by John Cleese and Connie Booth, is set in a hotel run by Basil Fawlty, his wife Sybil, everyone’s favourite Spanish waiter Manuel. With a quirky collection of staff, they face difficult customers, misunderstandings, twisted communication and constant disasters escalating from their mismanagement. Despite only having twelve episodes, Fawlty Towers is one of the most celebrated comedic series of all time.
The fun commences at the Oaks with dinner alongside our three stars, Mr Basil Faulty (James Colbourn-Keogh), Mrs Sybil Faulty (Eilannin Harris-Black) and non-English speaking Manuel (Michael Gonsalves). They start by attempting to find order in the chaos and get us to our seats.
Drinking glasses are mixed up with eyeglasses, and a platter of nuts is served as though they are on a cricket pitch, thrown into the air. All guests are greeted by Mr Faulty, who proudly graces us with his sense of humour at each introduction. With table numbers called out and everyone in their seats, there is a real bustle of excitement as we become immersed in Faulty Towers.
The joint conference rooms at the Oaks create a bright and clear space, with fifteen tables full of happy guests awaiting the laughs and fabulous dining. Bringing life to these characters, our three hosts do not disappoint. Their interaction with each other shows a connection and trust that only experienced improvised actors wear with confidence. It is clear they are masters of their craft. They especially excel with their superb characterisation, voice projection and clarity, comedic timing and ability to play on words, both with the audience and off each other.
James Colbourn-Keogh seems born to play Basil, embodying a bright shadow of John Cleese with all arms and legs limber and flailing. I found myself looking towards the doorways, on the edge of my seat, constantly awaiting his appearance. I was captivated by his every move, eagerly anticipating what he’d do next during playful exchanges with the audience. Even in his most unflattering moments, including the unexpected placement of some dead fish, I couldn’t look away. Colbourn-Keogh commands the space effortlessly, his eccentric presence and natural control making him the heart of the show.
As Sybil, Eilannin Harris-Black provides a great contrast. Despite her no-nonsense attitude, her timing often enhances the hilarity between Basil and Manuel. Graceful and poised, Harris-Black gives a smart and intuitive performance. The go-to person for celebrating audience members’ birthdays and anniversaries, she does more than just stop the guys from buffing bald heads! She also has the most powerful voice and clearly houses strong vocals.
Michael Gonsalves heightens the laughter with his portrayal of Manuel. He’s not afraid to get down and dirty, tumbling across the floor, climbing under chairs and standing on tables. He brings fun and entertainment with nothing more than expressive facials and dynamic body language. Watching him is a mix of delight, curiosity, amusement and horror as bread rolls get breathed on and crockery vanishes into pants!
The dinner is presented in the traditional entree, main and dessert format. All the while, the jokes keep coming, with fire hydrants and underwear making odd appearances. I’m not sure if the waiters were supposed to get things a little muddled because that is how Fawlty Towers does it on screen. But dietary requirements were a little missed, with the catering staff unaware of food notes. At least when discussed with Basil, he happily passed on his congratulations to the management!
If the show had been staged in a space without pillars blocking some of the tables, visibility might have been better. But hats off to the cast for making the most of the venue. Their energy and creativity ensure that everyone, no matter where they sit, has a great time. As a fan of the show, there is so much excitement and joy in watching our favourite parts of different episodes coming to life before our eyes. There are constant giggles and smiles all around as we share this experience together.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is a chaotically fun dining adventure like no other. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original show or have never seen an episode, you’ll find yourself laughing from start to finish. The experience is what you make of it, and everyone gets a part to play. Whether it’s being a bull, handing out bread rolls, or making a surprising discovery in your food! The laughter from the young boy celebrating his grandfather’s 80th birthday last night was proof that the show entertains all ages. Your enjoyment can depend on your table mates, so gather your family and friends for a fabulously good time!
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is performing every night until 6 April (with some matinee lunch performances available on the weekend) at Oaks on Market Hotel. 60 Market Street Melbourne as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Tickets: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience
Website: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/ and https://www.interactivetheatre.com.au/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/melbcomedyfestival/ and https://www.instagram.com/thefaultytowers/
Images: supplied
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2 responses to “Review: Faulty Towers The Dining Experience 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival”
Could one person go on their own
Absolutely! Everyone is seated at tables and there is so much fun and laughter it won’t matter if you are on your own.