The stage adaptation that’ll keep you laughing from check-in to check-out. John Cleese’s loving recreation of Fawlty Towers gives the 1970s BBC classic a new lease of life.
The show seamlessly weaves together scenes from the original series – including The Germans, Communication Problems, and Basil the Rat – into a single flowing narrative of escalating chaos, expertly paced.
It’s cleverly tailored with family favourites that transport the audience to their childhoods or welcome a new generation to a world of chaos, wit and sarcasm.
Danny Bayne captures Basil Fawlty’s explosive energy, exaggerated gestures, and frantic physicality (including some impressive high kicks). Joanne Clifton captures Polly’s understated sarcasm and demeanour, pairing beautifully with Bayne as the two bounce off each other with hilarious fluency. Mia Austen flutters around the stage, an uncanny replica of Mrs Fawlty. And of course, the one who received the mightiest applause at the end of the evening: Hemi Yeroham as Manuel, in all his earnest confusion.
And yet, it’s impossible to ignore that much of the humour stems from material that wouldn’t be written today. The exaggerated Spanish stereotypes, the gender dynamics in Basil and Sybil’s marriage – none of it is politically correct by 2025 standards. And yet, the audience didn’t flinch, laughter galore, an ultimate display of Cleese’s timeless humour. Comedy so well-written, so self-aware, it remains immune to time.
Whether a new visitor to the hotel or revisiting it decades later, this production is a joy from start to finish. You’ll be glad you came.
Satire /Comedy play
Adapted for the stage by John Cleese
Director: Caroline Jay Ranger
Cast includes: Danny Bayne; Mia Austen; Joanne Clifton; Hemi Yeroham
Running until: 13 September 2025
Running Time – 2 hours and 20 minute interval
Photo Credit: Rosie Powell