Tag: Faulty Towers Experience

MICF 2021 Shows we’ve previously Reviewed

Well.

Hello Everybodeeeee!

It’s been a while and we’ve been through the wars and semi hibernation and discovered online live comedy

BUT

isn’t it great to have live comedy back with us! We’re feeling pretty lucky to be able to have a Melbourne International Comedy Festival, much reduced though it will be. We are already pretty excited about so many shows (live and virtual) this year!

And Yes we will be going out to taste the delights of the Festival to report back on What’s Going On.

As always we begin our coverage with  a list of shows in this year’s festival that we have already seen, along with links to our thoughts about them. As usual we give the disclaimer that festival shows are ever evolving entities so they will certainly have changed since we sat in the audience.

Ali McGregor’s Late-Nite Variety-Nite Night

Here’s Lisa’s review from Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2016:

Always a wonderful way to catch some of the best quirky acts from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival handpicked by our gorgeous host.

https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=9937

Ali McGregor’s Late-Nite Variety-Nite Night is on at The Famous Spiegeltent at Arts Centre Melbourne Fri – Sun throughout the Festival

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/ali-mcgregor-s-late-nite-variety-night

Best of British

Here’s James’ review from Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2017:

Down a quick pint, strap yourself in and go nuts. You’ll have a wonderful time.

https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=11235

Best of British is on at Exford Hotel from March 24 to April 18

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/best-of-british

The Breast of the Fest

Here’s Jess’s review from Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2019:

It’s a refreshing show, with each of the comics bringing something different to the evening, but all bringing more than a few laughs.

https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13671

The Breast of the Fest is on at Trades Halle from March 25 to April 4

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/the-breast-of-the-fest

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

Here is Ron’s review from Edinburgh Fringe 2008:

This was one of the most madcap and fun packed dining experiences I can recall. I laughed so hard my jaw is aching.

https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1633

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is on at The Duke of Wellington Hotel from April 8 – 18
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience

Impromptunes : The Completely Improvised Musical

Here’s Hooi’s review from Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2018:

A charming show that showcases the improvisational and musical talents of the performers… absolutely engrossing.

https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=12663

The Completely Improvised Musical is on at Trades Hall from April 5 to 18

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/impromptunes

Matt Harvey : I Got Bit by a Monkey Once

Here’s Peter’s review from Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2019:

Matt’s show is intimate and warm. It’s rather like listening to a friend telling you stories about their recent travels.

https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=13806

I Got Bit by a Monkey Once is on at Caz Reitops Dirty Secrets from March 31 to April 11

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/matt-harvey

Scout Boxall : Good Egg

Here is Colin’s review from Melbourne Fringe 2019:

Scout has the funny bones to pull off anything vaguely comedic with an ease and comfort on stage…

https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=14366

Good Egg is on at Trades Hall from March 25 to April 4

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/scout-boxall-good-egg

Southplayers: Completely Improvised Shakespeare

Here is Lisa’s review from Melbourne Fringe 2015:

A band of merrie players you can put your trust in for a fun night of storytelling and making stuffe up.

https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=9433

Completely Improvised Shakespeare is on at Trades Hall from April 5 to 18
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021/shows/soothplayers

 

The Faulty Towers Experience – Review from 7/8/2008

This review is from the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe, it was originally published by The Groggy Squirrel on 7/8/2008. It is being performed again (as it has been most years) in 2012. The restaurant in 2012 is B’est Restaurant

By Ron Bingham

This was one of the most madcap and fun packed dining experiences I can recall. I laughed so hard my jaw is aching. The combination of a very nice three course lunch and very close-up floor show is one that I find hard to fault. Sure, the limitations of performing around the tables in a restaurant mean that at some points in the show, all the action may be happening at the other end of the room, but that does not diminish the fun. Of course the alternative is having them right in front of you, removing your cutlery or giving you someone else’s dishes. Having Basil stare at you for keeping your elbows on the table is a very scary experience, let me tell you.

The show starts before we enter the restaurant and the seating is part of our introduction to the afternoon (or night if you are in for dinner). Chaos and mayhem follow as everything disastrous you could imagine taking place will somehow occur, and a few things you certainly wouldn’t imagine will also jump out at you. To tell too much would be to give away some of the magic. Suffice to say, this was one of the most entertaining lunches I can recall and for fans of Fawlty Towers, it is a must see experience. I did see a couple of youngsters who looked bemused and can only assume their comedy education has been lacking.

The cast handled the whole affair with a timing and flair that can only come with extended planning, rehearsal and a lot of performances. These people are at the top of their game and this is one of the must-see shows at Edinburgh. The food is tasty as well.

Booking info for 2012 Edinburgh fringe can be found here http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience