Imagine the scene. A tranquil spot in Torquay, with beautiful scenery and everything you could ask for the perfect getaway. Then you meet frustrated hotel owners Basil and Sybil Fawlty, with a Barcelonian Bell Boy who ‘knows nothing’, a maid who seems to be the most sane person there and a multitude of colourful characters and you get Fawlty Towers The Play. Created by John Cleese and Connie Booth, they took two of the original episodes and linked them together to create a stage play of the original series.
Whilst this was full of many humorous moments and each punchline delivered brought back fond memories for many of us, sadly, it seemed as if the whole team was trying too hard to recapture the magic. Whilst it is crucial to create something that makes each character and comical moment recognisable, in this instance, it seemed that despite everyone delivering the text and physical comedy with the right sort of energy and delivery, there were also some moments where the pay off fell a little flat. The advice would be for everyone involved to try not to completely resurrect the original and play more to the current strengths each actor clearly had and not be afraid to bring something new to the text.
Having said this, it was brave on everyone’s part to take on a challenge such as this one and create further memories for everyone watching. For instance, Danny Bayne’s Basil was almost an exact replica of John Cleese’s original portrayal of the chaotic hotel owner. Each mannerism and clarity of the purpose of every line was delivered with such precision and detail that you would have sworn Cleese himself was on stage. Just don’t mention the war! Accompanying him was Mia Austen’s fiesty Sybil trying to keep him in check. Austen gave Sybil a new lease of life as she bantered and comedically argued with Bayne, creating a dynamic relationship on stage which sometimes is hard to achieve in comedy, but the way she delivered each punchline was precise. These two just need to relax into their relationship more to create more of a connection with each other.
Joanne Clinton’s Polly was one of two characters who didn’t try so hard to create a carbon copy of the original. She created many moments of light and shade in her delivery whilst trying to keep everything running smoothly in the hotel, which in itself created a lovely role which seemed to transcend the original. The other actor was Paul Nicholas’ Major. This one is a tricky character to recreate, as it can be too easy to fall into the trap of a stereotypical army man that can lead to unintentional insult if not careful. Nicholas didn’t do this at all, but rather played to his comedic strength and put his own spin on this memorable character. The eccentricity was not pushed, but delivered with ease and what emerged was someone who was lovable, yet strict.
A fun comedic piece of work that ignites memories and whether you love it or hate it, knowing the original creative team are behind this resurgence makes this not just authentic, but a night to remember.
Review by Sascha Cooper
Join Basil, Sybil, the delightfully bumbling Major, and an 18-strong cast as they bring to life all your favourite moments from the show’s unforgettable twelve episodes. With sharp wit, chaos, and calamity at every turn, this is the comedy event of the year!
CAST
Danny Bayne – Basil
Mia Austen – Sybil
Hemi Yeroham – Manuel
Joanne Clifton – Polly
Paul Nicholas – The Major
Jemma Churchill- Mrs Richards
Greg Haiste – Mr Hutchinson / Wilhelm
Emily Winter – Miss Tibbs
Dawn Buckland – Miss Gatsby
John Hasler – Mr Thurston / Günter
Adam Elliott – Mr Walt
Neil Stewart – Taxi Driver / Mr Firkins / Mr Kerr / Mr Sharp
Josie Brightwell – Liz / Joanna
Ashleigh Harvey – Debbie
Ben Jacobson – Ken
Matthew Gordon – Mr Dale
Raymond Rose – Philip
CREATIVE TEAM
Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth
Adapted for the stage by John Cleese
Director – Caroline Jay Ranger
Set and Costume Designer – Liz Ascroft
Lighting Designer – Ian Scott
Sound Designer – Rory Madden
Casting Director – Anne Vosser
Assistant Director – Denise Ranger
Resident Director – Dawn Buckland
FAWLTY TOWERS – THE PLAY
New Wimbledon Theatre, 21 to 25 October 2025
UK tour continues to 25 July 2026
