Ben Hood – one of our performers – is currently cycling 600km from London to Amsterdam. And back.
This might sound crazy, but it’s all for a brilliant charity: Venus Blazing Music and Theatre Trust helps children with severe learning difficulties to develop performance and social skills in a creative theatre and music environment.
Ben left London on 30 June, passing through Dover, Calais, Bruges and Antwerp on his way to Amsterdam, returning via Rotterdam… he hopes to return (!) by 7 July. We hope he does too: Ben plays two characters in The Wedding Reception and is scheduled to appear in the show’s 23 and 30 July performances at Kingsway Hall Hotel in London’s Covent Garden.
Ben says: ‘Any donation at all would make a huge difference to the charity. And knowing that a few people are behind me when I’m lost in The Netherlands with raging saddle sores would help spur me on in a huge way!’.
This is the link to donate: it is really quick and simple and you can donate up until 30 July 2015!
Today is the 150th birthday of Amba Hotel Charing Cross! Built in 1865, it has witnessed many of London’s huge and incredible changes and we are honoured to have called it home since 2012.
A little history
When the Charing Cross Railway Company drew up plans for a new terminus on The Strand, it was obvious that they should include a grand hotel to rival those at Euston, Paddington and Kings Cross. Thus was born the Charing Cross Hotel.
Originally designed in sumptuous Franco-Italianate style by E.M. Barry – son of Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the House of Commons – this amazing Grade II listed building has been transformed for the modern age. Yet it retains that sense of refinement and luxury which made it one of the most prestigious places to stay in Victorian London.
Interesting facts
– Also in 1865, Barry designed a replica of the Eleanor Cross for the forecourt of the station. The original was built in 1290 as a memorial to Eleanor of Castile, the wife of Edward I. It was demolished in 1647 by the Puritans.
– The site of the original Eleanor Cross – south of Trafalgar Square where the statue of King Charles I stands today – is the spot from where all distances from London are measured.
– It is often thought that Charing is named after Eleanor: ‘chère Reine’ (beloved Queen), but this is an appealing fallacy. The true derivation comes from an earlier, Saxon word ‘cyring’, meaning ‘at the bend of the river’.
– Charing Cross claims to be the site of the first Punch and Judy show to be held in England. Originally from Italy, the puppet show has become a national institution and a story familiar to children all over the UK.
Faulty Towers and Amba Hotel Charing Cross
Situated in the true heart of London, the hotel perfectly represents England’s culture and history. We’re really proud to have been performing the show there every week since 2012.
There are special events during the whole weekend 15-17 May, including a menu featuring 1865-style food, a Victorian-style photo booth to record events, room discounts, giveaways, and competition prizes.
And watch out for some action today from 4pm featuring Basil, Sybil and Manuel too!
Our first stop this year was last weekend in New York City! Exciting right? We had some great feedback and are now looking to find the perfect venues for touring the US and for setting up a residency in NY. We’re open to ideas, as long as they can cope with Basil’s temperament…!
In London, another year in our residency at The Torquay Suite Theatre at Amba Hotel Charing Crossstarts this weekend, with our fabulous cast serving you delicious ‘70s-style 3-course meals with, of course, a lot of laughs.
Meanwhile, way over in Australia, our first stop is at Fringe World Festival in Perth, running from Friday 23 January until 22 February. Our dysfunctional trio are looking forward to dining and w(h)ining with you at the ever-welcoming Rigby’s Bar & Bistro!
Thinking of Valentine’s Day? We’re hosting unique Valentine’s Experiences in London, Adelaide and Perth and you can give gift vouchers for those too. For the rest of the world we also have shows on four continents!
Check our website for more information on dates and places, and sign up to the newsletter to get fresh updates of what we’re up to next.
Awful gifts, awkward relationships, the dog ate the turkey when your back was turned or snowed in with unbearable relatives. What’s the most ‘Faulty’ Christmas experience you’ve ever had?
Share your stories with us on Twitteror Facebook using #Faultyxmas to be in with the chance of winning 4 tickets to have an even more Faulty experience with us at Torquay Suite Theatre at Amba Hotel Charing Cross in the new year. The more Faulty, the better!
Terms and conditions: entries accepted up until midnight on Tuesday 9 December 2014 (UK time). Prize will be in the form of a voucher, valid from January 2015 until August 2015 on any performances at the Amba Hotel Charing Cross, subject to availability. For more information on performance dates & times please see: www.faultytowers-uk.com
Thanks to Kaara Benstead (@gingerstripes), who came to see the show at Charing Cross this week, for your tweets! Great to know we lived up to your expectations.
On my way to The Charing Cross Hotel for @thefaultytowers dining experience. Been looking forward to it all day 🙂
This week the Faultys will be out and about in central London on Wednesday from 6-8pm and Thursday & Friday from 1-3pm on the hunt for a new chef! Look out for them along The Strand, Embankment, Southbank, Trafalgar Square and Hungerford Bridge and grab a flyer off them for £5 discounts to London shows, redeemable on our website throughout June.
Tweet your pictures to @thefaultytowers – we love a cheeky snap!
Meanwhile, way over in Australia, our first stop is at 
Share your stories with us on 
