backstage | Interactive Theatre International

Australian Tour

May 1, 2014 by Jaya

Three festivals, three months in three states -what an adventure the Faulty team had around Australia! Karen Hamilton (Sybil), Benedict Holme (Basil) and Anthony Sottile (Manuel) started the tour in sunny Perth for the Fringe World festival.

They didn’t hang around too long as it was 32 degrees Celsius (a moderately warm day for Perth) and Mrs Faulty kept complaining her face was melting off. They stayed in Perth at Rigby’s Bar and Bistro for just over 3 weeks- plenty of time for Sybil to make some new friends and Basil some enemies…

Next stop was the Adelaide Fringe Festival. The team were expecting sweltering heat but rather they had to go out and buy jumpers (yes, even the Brits!). The team had a wonderful time at the new venue spending just over a month at The Ambassadors Hotel. As per tradition, Karen left behind a signed gnome for the venue to cherish.

After a short break the team arrived in Melbourne for the International Comedy Festival. A city known for its culture and nightlife, here’s Mrs Faulty finding Basil and Manuel in the belly dancers dressing room – “Manuel put that down!”

With Easter fast approaching Mrs Faulty took Basil and Manuel shopping in the city. Basil was less than amused taking the tram…

The team proudly celebrated its 6th year at The Aegean Restaurant and the end of the tour with an Easter feast! Food and wine was enjoyed by all, but perhaps a little too much chocolate for Manuel!

After nearly 3 months interstate the whole team were happy to head back home! Here are some of my highlights from the tour: Mrs Faulty sporting golfing trousers, Manuel flirting with a married woman and Mr Faulty truly losing it! Until next year Fringe World, Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival- thanks for having us!

Jaya – Festivals Manager

Introducing… Suzanna Hughes

June 5, 2013 by Jaya

Q1: What’s your favourite part of working with Faulty Towers The Dining Experience so far or favourite Faulty moment?

A: I just love playing Sybil. I was born in the ‘70s so was a young child when Fawlty Towers first aired. My primary school teacher, who encouraged me to be an actress, was a massive Fawlty Towers fan and we used to watch it on a huge box TV in the school library. The characters are so iconic and have stood the test of time. Sybil is such a fantastic character to play and I can’t believe that it’s my job!

Q2: Describe yourself in 3 words?

A: Blonde, dogs, ABBA

Q3: What’s your best (or worst) corpsing story?

A: I haven’t really corpsed myself yet, but watching Jordan (who plays Basil) with his head out of the door laughing at the little boy who stole the show by doing Basil’s bottle trick was very near!

Q4: What similarities and differences are there between you and the character you play?

A: My husband would probably say lots of similarities and no differences…Oh, except I don’t play golf! I do however talk non-stop, incessant rubbish and spend far too much on my hair and co-ordinating shoes.

Q5: If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

A: I would be my dog ‘Trevor’, who’s a 12 year old Yorkshire Terrier. I’ve had him since he was a puppy and he’s spoilt rotten. Dogs are so much fun, loyal and loving. I adore him.

Q6: Who’s your favourite other cast member to share a dressing room with and why?

A: Ooh that’s so difficult, I’d hate to pick a favourite out of the boys… I do love the chemistry between Jack and Ed, they teach me lots of rude words and wind me up non-stop. I also love Paul and Brian, Paul says working with me and Brian is like being Dad to two squabbling twelve year olds, which I think must be a compliment?!

However, I’m going to go with Donna: although I never work with her as she’s another Sybil, she was there to guide me on my first two performances. I was really nervous but she held my hand and listened to me jabber on about total rubbish while providing a soothing motherly ear…she’s lovely!

Suzanna with Paul O’Neill (left) and Brian Roche (right) at The Charing Cross Hotel.

Q7: If your character had a dating profile, what do you think it would say?

A: Elegant, glamorous lady seeks gentleman who likes golf, big hair and listening!

Q8: What was your last tweet or Facebook status?

A: It was a picture of a baby monkey!

Q10: What don’t you leave home without?

A: Hand cream and Trevor (wherever possible)!

Q11: Do you have any hidden talents?

A: I think for anyone who has seen my Sybil’s rendition of Happy Birthday would have to agree that it is Opera singing!

I can also speak in almost any UK and worldwide accent!

You can follow Suzanna on twitter @SuzannaHughes to hear first hand what touring and performing with Faulty Towers is like.

Suzanna is currently performing at Charing Cross until the end of June and will then be at the Ghent Festival in Belgium in July.

Cultuurcentrum Muze, Heusden Zolder

May 6, 2013 by Jaya

After finishing our Netherlands tour last week, we have spent a great three nights at the Cultuurcentrum Muze in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium this week. Every evening was a sell out, with a fantastic atmosphere, super friendly staff and wonderfully decorated tables that Sybil adored! (They matched her outfit).

Dining tables, Side of the Cultuurcentrum cafe and great hall, Muze Cafe veranda, Pre-dinner drinks bar, Quirky decor in the artiestenfoyer, Cultuurcentrum entrance.