A number of the City Adventurers headed to The President Hotel for the Group Travel World awards night in November 2025. Not only were we going to a prestigious awards ceremony, but we were going to experience the award-winning Faulty Towers Dining Show, that is based on the iconic BBC comedy series.
History
It’s officially the longest running Fawlty Towers show of any kind and provides a memorable three-course meal with an entertaining evening. The event is fully immersive with Basil, Sybil and Manuel serving the guests. Luckily there are real waiting staff on hand, too. This laugh-out-loud comedy experience is a rollercoaster of miscommunication, mayhem, and classic British humour.
The creator (and original Sybil) Alison Pollard-Mansergh, created the show, which debuted in Brisbane, Australia in 1997. The UK chapter of Faulty Towers dining Experience began in 2008 with a performance in Mansfield, followed by shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Its London run started in 2009 in Covent Garden.
What happened on the night
When we arrived, we waited in the hotel lobby for the evening to start. After dropping off our coats and bags, and getting ticked off the guest list, we entered the bar for a pre-show drink.
The action began as soon as it was time to be seated. Basil came into the bar and called out the group/bookers name to allocate the table numbers. His introduction and witty comments about the patrons set the tone for the evening.
Be warned… this is no ordinary dinner theatre. 70% is improvised, so every performance is unique and unpredictable. The fact that this was an awards show did not stop the staged mishaps, misunderstandings and Manuel’s well-meaning confusion. The three actors were amazing and got everyone involved.
You don’t need to know the original Fawlty Towers TV series. Those of us old enough to have seen the original show could spot the in-jokes. However, those who had not seen the show still thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the slapstick humour.
A very funny evening. Our table laughed the whole time.
Book tickets at FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE | Interactive Theatre
Also what happened on the night….Catherine Skeggs, founder of The City Adventurers, was awarded ‘Best 2025 GTO’.
I was awarded Group Travel Organiser of the year for the City Adventurers and received my award from Riviera Travel’s Stuart Milan, who sponsored the award.
For a full list of winners, visit https://www.grouptravelworld.com/gtw-awards/
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The UK based Social Club for people who love visiting shows, exploring new places, discovering new things and solving mysteries.
Life is a journey so experience it’s adventure with like minded people. Live the life you’ve always dreamed of. City Adventurers Membership includes invitations to adventures and travel mainly in the UK
