Faulty Dramaturgy: Alison Pollard-Mansergh @ Edfringe 2017

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is back!

This 10^th anniversary Fringe appearance in the show’s 20^th birthday year promises something very special indeed… a swanky new venue for all performances, a limited run of a specially-written 10th anniversary show, some new script, heaps of new jokes and plenty of surprises. 
The 11 performances of the special Anniversary show are in the glorious King’s Hall in The Principal Edinburgh George Street. They feature new content specially written for the occasion that’s built within the classic show’s framework. There’s also a VIP option with all sorts of giveaways and cast photo opportunities.

Dramaturgy Q&A - Alison Pollard-Mansergh, artistic director Interactive Theatre International and Faulty Towers The Dining Experience:

What was the inspiration for this performance?

Audiences want to be entertained in more ways than just sitting and watching … I mean, you can do that at home watching TV! So immersive experiences where the audience members know what is expected of them, and having a fun experience at the same time is the inspiration.

Is performance still a good space for the public discussion of ideas? 

Absolutely … particularly when audience interaction is involved.

How did you become interested in making performance?

I have always been involved in the creative industries, and creating performance just came as a natural step. Besides, my life is a bit of a drama (lol).

Is there any particular approach to the making of the show?

I work from the perspective of the audience … it is about ensuring that the audience are taken on a journey, and not left behind at any point, but also that they have the ability to feel that something incredibly personal is happening for them within the experience.

Does the show fit with your usual productions?

Yes, I love making theatre accessible. Many people attend this show and don’t even realise that it is theatre.

What do you hope that the audience will experience?

I hope that by the end of the performance they liken the experience to actually being on the set of the BBC TV show “Fawlty Towers”. If they feel this, then we’ve really done our job.

What strategies did you consider towards shaping this audience experience?

As I mentioned earlier, the performance is all about the journey of the audience members … every step of this experience has been guided by how the audience will be involved, and we have specifically created scenes that will trigger memories in fans of the BBC TV series “Fawlty Towers”.

Meanwhile, the 5-star show that has been playing at Edinburgh for 10 years and around the world for 20 is itself being staged in The Principal’s Hanover Suite, for the first time to smaller audiences for a more up-close-and-personal experience. As ever, it is about 70% improvised, so the show is always new – which explains why there are so many repeat Faulty guests.

Both shows are fully immersive, dishing up lashings of laughter, huge spoonfuls of spontaneity and plenty of participation along with a 3-course meal served by Basil, Sybil and Manuel. They’re ideal for comedy fans, theatre fanatics and anyone who fancies going out for an unforgettable meal. A true blend of ingenious comedy and a unique theatrical script, these are multi-sensory treats where chaos reigns right from the start.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has been winning 5-star reviews at Edinburgh every year since its first show there in 2008, a record that’s been replicated around the world. It was born in Brisbane in April 1997 and now has 10 teams of cast touring the world virtually non-stop. 

As well as Edinburgh Fringe, highlights of 2017 include Fringe Festivals in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Brighton, together with tours of Australia, Europe, Scandinavia, the Caribbean and Singapore, and a continuing residency in the heart of London’s theatre land.

Venue 119: The Principal Edinburgh George Street, 19-21 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PB
(formerly The George Hotel)

- includes box office run by Interactive Theatre International front of house team

EXPERIENCE THE 5* EXPERIENCE AT EDINBURGH FRINGE 2017A massive 41 lunch and dinner shows throughout August.Dates – Hanover Suite: 3-28 August 2017 (41 shows)
- dinner performance Thurs, Fri, Sun, Wed: 9pm (doors 8:30pm).
- dinner performance Monday: 7pm (doors 6:30pm).
- lunch performance daily ex Tuesday: 2pm (doors 1:30pm).
Tickets – including a 3-course meal and 2-hour show:- lunch performance Sat-Sun: £54.50.
- lunch performance Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: £49.50.
- dinner Mon & Wed: £49.50.
- dinner Thurs-Sun: £54.50.
Bookings & show info: www.edfringe.com | www.torquaysuitetheatre.com | 0845 154 4145