Faulty Towers – The Original Dining Experience, York Pavilion Hotel, November 2025

As fans of classic comedy, we were thrilled to be invited to experience the madcap humour of Fawlty Towers…not on stage, but in a hotel as part of a dinner service! With only twelve episodes, the sitcom has stood the test of time and is surely a tough act to follow…

The loose concept is that the hotel has gone bust and been taken over by disgruntled hotelier Basil Fawlty, bossy wife Sybil and long-suffering Spanish employee Manuel. The trio try to serve up a three course meal whilst searching for a missing rat, placing a secret horseracing bet and running a fire drill, amongst other things.

Around 70% of the performance is improvised, so expect plenty of interaction and a chance to chat and joke with the characters. There are many lines and gags you’d expect if you’re a seasoned Towers fan, and most of the classics are here too.

It’s a treat to experience them live as hotel guests, in your own as-it-happens episode. The chaos unfolds all around you, and the performers use the space well to ensure that everyone can see and hear.

Our cast were exemplary throughout, never missing a beat or an opportunity to milk the funnies. There are multiple casts performing this show around the world, but we had Rob Cummings (Basil), Andrew Evans (Manuel) and Clare Noy (Sybil). They all nail every mannerism and aside, and at points you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the iconic Torquay hotel…although York’s Pavilion is thankfully much nicer.

Cummings frustrations as Basil are palpable, as he struggles to train ‘I know nothing!’ Manuel, from Barcelona. The hen-pecked husband, he can never do right by Noy’s Sybil – who tries to keep him in check. The trio are casting perfection, and we couldn’t have asked for better.

The experience is pitched as family-friendly, and there were a few other families with children in attendance. Wisely, the less-PC comedy of the 1970’s has been omitted – and kids will love all the silliness and slapstick. Does Basil mention the war though? You’ll have to book to find out. There’s some innuendo too, but it’s all fairly playful and has the diners delighted.

As food forms part of the experience, I’m pleased to say the meal hit the spot. Whilst not fine dining – which we didn’t expect – all three courses were tasty and served efficiently.

To start, roast tomato and basil soup (with this herb surely not accidental?), then chicken ballotine with fondant potatoes, stockpot carrots and a red wine jus. To end, a zesty lemon tart with a raspberry coulis. Our two boys (9 and 12) were delighted that they weren’t fobbed off with kids meals – no chicken nuggets, chips or smaller portions here.

Dietary requirements are catered for, with vegetarian and vegan options offered. The company go to great lengths to check for allergies too, in particular for nuts due to a specific routine involving the nibbles (“No, not nipples Manuel!”)

But of course it’s mirth over meals that has had fans booking for over 28 years. The Faulty Towers Dining Experience long predates the new West End show and tour, and there is something incredibly immersive about being in the thick of it all. It’s timely too, with the recent passing of the original Sybil Fawlty, Prunella Scales. RIP.

Our only suggestion is that a meet-and-greet and photos with the cast at the end would be a nice touch, with the actors staying in character and continuing the interactions of course. Other than that, we couldn’t…fault it.

There is clearly a lot of love for the comedies of yesteryear, and our fellow diners lapped up the nostalgic afternoon’s entertainment. It’s a laugh-out loud riot of fun, with well-seasoned performers and well-seasoned…soup!

To see where the experience is touring next and book your tickets, visit www.faultytowersdining.com

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

Danny Lee Grew 24K Magic, Friargate Theatre York, June 2025

Danny Lee Grew brought his one-man show to York’s Friargate Theatre last night, and it was a treat for this Wizard to be on the other side of the curtain after a day of tours!

24K Magic features a magical myriad of effects. Expect everything from magic with cards, silk handkerchiefs, eggs, oranges, rings, milk, paper and even a bowling ball. There are modern and inventive tricks and many classics dusted off too, such as the multiplying bottles (of Tommy Cooper fame) A one-tricky pony he ain’t!

A highlight for me was a variation on the Slydini Silks – a trick as old as the hills but given a smart twist using wordplay on NOT and KNOT. The variety keeps the show pacey and ensures there is something for everyone. There’s plenty of comedy too, with little asides, puns and gags that were right up this wizard’s alley!

A loose (invisible) thread centres around Danny’s background; from his first magic set, to his hospital work and time on cruise ships. A routine with coathangers makes sense, as he claims to pack his own for hotel stays on tour. And a twist on the classic cut and restored rope uses a bandage as a nod to his NHS days. These links lift the show from a random assortment of tricks and props, to something we feel more connected to and invested in.

More important than the magic though is that Danny is instantly likeable and engaging. He wins over a small audience on a hot evening, and the comedy is gentle without ever needing to shock or offend. He isn’t the ‘haha fooled you!” type, and invites us to share in the wonder rather than presenting puzzles and gotcha moments.

Crucially, he treats his volunteers with respect and puts the audience at ease by announcing he won’t be embarrassing anyone or making fun of them. Many is the magician who goes for a cheap shot at someone else’s expense, but thankfully none of that here. I’m reminded of seeing Geoffrey Durham (mentioned in the show) many years ago, who had the mantra “All done with kindness”.

It was our first visit to Friargate Theatre, which is an ideal intimate size for this kind of show. A few technical blips in a new venue are expected and forgivable, and didn’t take away from the experience. The set is sparse but this allows the magic to really shine. Danny doesn’t resort to big advertising banners on stage, which is a smart move and adds class.

So who is it for? It’s not strictly a kid’s show, but the magic is family-friendly and visual enough to hold young audience members’ attention. This audience was a mix of families, fellow magicians (who Danny kindly plugged and encouraged people to follow) and couples.

Our mini Wizards were both picked out to help, and were thrilled to be involved. Our youngest said “Mind-blowing, I loved finding my card in an orange!”. Eldest said “It was spellbinding, I enjoyed the Three Card Monte but my favourite part was being levitated!”

If you haven’t seen a live magic show before, I’d urge you to give it a try. Done well, there really is nothing like live magic. In this era of social media, YouTube and AI, it’s not always easy to be ‘wowed’ but Danny elicits gasps and surprised laughter throughout.

This was a one-night-only affair, but Danny tours regularly and you can check out his schedule at https://dannyleegrew.com/live/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

The Last Laugh, Grand Opera House York, June 2025

Review originally written for The Reviews Hub

Fresh from a sell-out West End run, The Last Laugh arrives at York’s Grand Opera House. But is it a laugh a minute, or no laughing matter?

We’re met with Lee Newby’s set – a derelict dressing room where pictures of Laurel and Hardy, Tony Hancock and Sid James gather dust. It’s the ideal setting to let the comedy – and relationships – really shine. And shine they do.

The Last Laugh brings together the comic stylings of Eric Morecambe (Bob Golding), Tommy Cooper (Damian Williams) and a tangerine-tanned Bob Monkhouse (Simon Cartwright). All three performers excel at every nod and nuance, and you’d be forgiven at times for thinking you were watching the stars of yesteryear. Expect every comic aside, every glasses wiggle and every ‘just like that’.

The dynamic between the trio is natural, and they riff off each other with ease. Golding’s Morecambe is delightfully daft and playful, whereas Cartwright’s Monkhouse is more by the book. Quite literally, as he clings to his book of tried and tested – or hammered and chiselled – jokes. Williams’ Cooper nails the funny look; the ability to make an audience laugh by doing very little…whether it’s his trademark shake of the hands or even navigating a garden gate.

There’s no plot to speak of, instead we’re treated to engaging chatter and dressing room banter peppered with jokes and shtick. But it’s not all giggles and guffaws, and the production blurs the line between tribute act and drama. Paul Hendy’s writing explores health issues, drink problems and the harsh realities of living in the spotlight. The gents ponder why it is they do what they do, and the almost obsessive quest for a laugh at any expense.

Some scenes are bittersweet, and Tommy Cooper’s final exit is truly poignant. This reviewer’s parents witnessed his untimely passing broadcast live from Her Majesty’s Theatre, so I grew up hearing about it between watching the fezzed funnyman on VHS. We’re reminded of the fragility of life, and the toll the pressure of pleasing audiences night after night can take. These moments of the sad clown are carefully and tastefully implemented.

The masks don’t slip for long though; the gags fire thick and fast throughout and this appreciative audience lap it up. The second half is a Q&A session with the cast and, at this performance at least, the writer and director too. This is a fascinating insight into how each actor becomes their respective comic, and titbits about how the show was received on Broadway, funny anecdotes, favourite jokes and more.

The Last Laugh is an evening of pure nostalgic delight and a love letter to the golden age of British comedy. How can I give it five stars? Just like that!

The Last Laugh runs at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 14th June 2025. Find out more and book your tickets at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-last-laugh/grand-opera-house-york/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.

The 39 Steps, Grand Opera House York, July 2024

We stepped back in time to the 1930s, to see The 39 Steps at Grand Opera House…

Based on the novel, the plot sees dapper gent Richard Hannah who becomes embroiled in an international spy ring following a murder in his apartment. Fleeing the police, he follows a trail to Scotland to get to the bottom of this whodunnit comedy of errors.

Tom Byrne plays Richard Hannah. Like a young Hugh Grant, he personifies the polite English gentleman, complete with stiff upper lip and pencil moustache.

Safeena Ladha plays three characters here – Pamela, Annabella and Margaret. She has some good physical comedy as Annabella in particular. Pamela is quite a whiney and wet character, but Ladha manages to bring a dry wit and feistiness to the role.

Clowning Around

Listed as Clown 1 and Clown 2, Eugene McCoy and Maddie Rice play a whole host of roles. The billing suggests 139 characters but we didn’t count nearly as many so this might be marketing spiel. Hats fly, accents change and genders blur with strong characterisation throughout. Their clowning is excellent and there were little flashes of Monty Python, Laurel and Hardy and Chaplin.

Expect slapstick and knockabout comedy that is, on the whole, tight and well choreographed. A highlight during strong winds sees the cast billow their costumes in unison each time a door is opened. There are silly moments with windows, sandwiches and the daft antics that come from two performers handcuffed together.

Feeling the Strain

Acoustically, the show is hard to hear at points. Even from the middle of the stalls we strained to hear some of the dialogue. Visually though the staging is excellent, and captures the 1930s setting perfectly. From a London flat, to the Scottish highlands and glitz of the Palladium – Peter Mckintosh’s set design is first rate.

Tripping the Light Fantastic

Ian Scott’s lighting design is excellent too, often reminiscent of a vintage film. A shadow puppet sequence is a clever touch, and sets the scene of a chase well. Elsewhere lights are used as car headlights, and searchlights over the moors.

We’ve seen many farcical shows, from Noises Off and Le Navet Bete’s The Three Musketeers to the various ‘Goes Wrong’ shows. Whilst a few things did indeed ‘go wrong’ here, these moments were tame in comparison to similar shows, and fairly predictable.

A Step too Far…

…or not far enough? For us, it feels like The 39 Steps plays it too safe. There are some inspired moments, but on the whole it’s a gentle and quaint affair that never quite seems to find its momentum.

Some of the jokes felt laboured too; amusing initially but drawn out too long. I love puns, but when a family joke about uncle Bob (“Oh, Bob’s your uncle?”) gets the biggest laugh of the night, it feels like the script needs refreshing.

That being said, there are plenty of people who adore the show – and it’s had a successful West End run along with Tony and Olivier Awards. We had high expectations but found the pace slow, and the laughs didn’t come thick and fast enough. Hitchcock film references are clever though, and again the slapstick is generally well honed.

Overall, we found the comedy underwhelming, the plot a little convoluted and the pace off at times. However, we commend the hardworking cast and crew. If you’re a fan of the book, or you’re new to farcical comedies, you may still find plenty to enjoy here.

The 39 Steps runs at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 27th July 2024. Tickets start from £13 and can be booked at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-39-steps/grand-opera-house-york/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.