In 1971, John Cleese--the actor and comedian from the Monty Python troupe--stayed at the Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay, Devon, UK. He noticed that the owner and manager of the hotel was foul-tempered and rude. In fact, he possessed such an extraordinarily foul personality that he would be a great television character.
This is how Cleese's sitcom Fawlty Towers was born. The show aired for two seasons in 1975 and 1979. It was about a seaside hotel and its dysfunctional staff: the temperamental owner, Basil Fawlty, his wife, Sybil Fawlty, and the Spanish waiter, Manuel.
Cleese played Basil Fawlty, a man capable of remarkable rudeness to his guests.
Would you like to be verbally abused by Basil Fawlty? You can get your chance. Messy Nessy Chic tells us about Fawlty Towers: The Dining Experience--an interactive dinner theater experience in which actors serve you food while in character as Basil, Sybil, and Manuel.
If you attend a performance in your city, come prepared for good food but questionable service.
(Photos: Fawlty Towers: The Dining Experience)