What’s Happening?
The internationally acclaimed Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is heading to Townsville as part of its 30th anniversary Australian tour.
The interactive comedy show will take over Mercure Townsville from 27 to 29 May 2027, bringing the much-loved characters of Basil, Sybil and Manuel to local audiences.
Inspired by the iconic BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers, the production turns guests into diners at the fictional Faulty Towers hotel. What follows is an unpredictable mix of comedy, improvisation and audience participation, all served alongside a three-course meal.
The Australian tour begins in February 2027, with performances scheduled across major cities and regional centres throughout the year.
Why It Matters
Created in Brisbane in 1997, the production has grown into one of Australia’s most successful international theatre exports.
Unlike traditional theatre, the show places audiences directly in the action, allowing performers to interact with guests throughout the meal. Its original script and improvisational format mean each performance can unfold differently.
Created by Alison Pollard-Mansergh and produced by Jared Harford and Interactive Theatre, the show pays tribute to the original television series. Connie Booth and John Cleese wrote the BBC comedy that inspired the production.
Its continued success also highlights the international appeal of Australian theatre, particularly productions that bring live entertainment beyond conventional stages.
Local Impact
Townsville audiences will experience the same interactive production that has entertained guests in London’s West End and venues worldwide.
The performances at Mercure Townsville give local comedy fans an opportunity to enjoy the touring production without travelling to larger cities.
For those familiar with the original television series, the experience brings Basil’s temper, Manuel’s confusion and Sybil’s authority directly to the dinner table.
Guests can expect to become part of the comedy rather than simply watching from their seats, with performers responding to audience interactions throughout the evening.
By the Numbers
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43 countries: The Australian production has toured internationally since its Brisbane premiere, reaching audiences across the world.
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1 million guests: The production welcomed its millionth guest at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019, marking a major milestone.
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4,000 West End performances: The production will reach this milestone in January 2027 and mark 15 years in London’s West End later that year.
Zoom In
The production has received strong reviews from Australian critics, with Australian Stage calling it “A full-on feast for the funny bone”.
The West Australian described the show as “Hilarious”, while The Advertiser praised it as “Seriously funny. An absolute blast”.
GlamAdelaide also awarded five stars, describing the experience as “An often outrageous and unpredictable slice of malarkey sure to please”.
Producer Jared Harford credited the show’s longevity to its performers and commitment to reaching audiences beyond major cities.
“That this show is celebrating 30 years of success is testament to the love and attention of every performer who has worked on it from day one. What started as a fun idea for three out-of-work comedians, not thinking it would last longer than six months, to becoming the most successful touring production ever out of Australia, is incredibly exciting. The secret to success has been years of hard work, and not just sticking to the major cities, but performing across small regional towns and communities as well. This 30th anniversary tour will be making its mark across Australia in some of the most loved venues that have drawn in loyal audiences for so many years.
To be on the West End now for 15 years is a feat so few shows have attained, and showcases that Australian writing, Australian performers, and Australian creative industries can punch with the big leagues – so let’s fund them some more!”
Zoom Out
The production’s international history began with its first London performance in Covent Garden in 2009, followed by its West End residency in 2012.
It celebrated 25 years worldwide and a decade in the West End in 2022. In 2025, the company marked the original BBC sitcom’s 50th anniversary.
Even during COVID-19 restrictions, the company continued touring where permitted, adapting its script and performance format to meet health requirements.
The 2027 Australian anniversary tour includes Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Bendigo, Wodonga, Brisbane and the Gold Coast before reaching Townsville. Performances in Perth and Darwin will follow.
The production also holds several longevity records, including the longest-running Fawlty Towers tribute worldwide and the longest-running immersive production in London’s West End.
Although inspired by Fawlty Towers, the dining experience is an independent tribute. It uses a script and format developed by Imagination Workshop Pty Limited and is not endorsed by John Cleese or Connie Booth.
What To Look For Next?
With the anniversary tour beginning in February 2027, Townsville audiences will have their opportunity to join the celebrations in late May.
The organiser has listed evening performances from 27 to 29 May, with an additional lunchtime session on Saturday, 29 May.
Tickets and further performance information are available through the official Faulty Towers The Dining Experience website
