A night of stars as reviewers hit theatre restaurant

Monitor's Jacquelyn Curtis and Jason Tozer take on the roles of iconic movie reviewers Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton to join the UCU Players for an evening at Fawlty Towers

5 September 2006: Friday and Saturday evenings see the Clive Price suite transformed into "the best loved worst hotel in the world" as the UCU Players Company present The Very Best of Fawlty Towers.

For the company's third production of the short-lived but widely-loved BBC series, director Jasan Savage selected two of the most famous episodes based on their popularity with audiences.

The Germans and Communication Problems feature some of Torquay hoteliers' most memorable moments.

Jacqui and Jason discuss the play in the guise of Margaret and David from ABC's At the Movies.

"DAVID": Though it's my first encounter with the UCU Players Company Dinner Theatre, I'm quite accustomed with Fawlty Towers and to be honest this production exceeded all my expectations.

"MARGARET": I must confess I'm not as knowledgeable about the series, but I felt I wasn't disadvantaged. I was able to appreciate the production and was particularly impressed with the standard of acting.

D: Me too, because with such limited set and costumes, acting is what carries a production of this kind.

M: I was especially impressed by Stephen Brooke's performance of Basil. Despite the legacy of John Cleese's legendary character to live up to, I felt he did justice to the part.

D: I think you're right, they are enormous shoes to fill, however I had to do a double take with Sybil. Liz St Clair Long looked like she walked off the BBC set and had all the right mannerisms as well. Credit also has to go Craig Marvell's Manuel.

M: I think credit must also go to the chef, the meal was a perfect accompaniment and made me feel like I was actually in the lobby and dining room of the famous Torquay hotel.

D: I think the food was a lot better than anything that ever came out of the Fawlty Towers kitchen - except for the fire in the second act.

M: Speaking of the fire, I must say that I really loved The Germans. The portrayal of Helga and Hans was great and Basil was hilarious.

D: Well it's understandable you'd love the second act more because you aren't as well acquainted with the series. After all, it was the pinnacle episode. I thought Communication Problems brought out more of the humour and wit the show was known for. For me there just seemed to be more for these actors to work with.

M: Overall I enjoyed the evening. It was a perfect combination of good food and theatre. I'm giving it four stars.

D: For me, four and a half.