★★★★★ Fawlty Towers: There’s Nothing Fawlty About this Play

Photography by Hugo Glendinning

For a show that only ran for 12 episodes, Fawlty Towers is one of the most beloved British comedies ever made. 50 years later, when the decision was made to adapt it for the stage, the team had a lot to live up to.

Fawlty Towers The Play is one of - if not the funniest shows I have ever seen. With John Cleese leading the writing team, there was no doubt that the play would be funny, but they managed to make something that viewers have seen countless times feel fresh and new.

Fawlty Towers The Play is the blueprint for revamps. The script is full to the brim with genius one liners, notable quotes from the show and subtle hints about what we are in for later. Very early on, someone casually mentions that a group of German guests will be staying, but this mundane conversation is met by the hearty laughter of a knowing audience. Incredible use of dramatic irony.

There is nothing Fawlty about the casting for the UK tour. Danny Bayne plays Basil Fawlty – those are some shoes to fill but he does it impeccably. From the short comments under his breath to Basil’s infamous walk (if you know, you know), Bayne’s portrayal was perfect. Mia Austen plays Sybil, his onstage wife and her performance was equally convincing – a glorious combination of scary and sweet. Their scenes together were some of my favourites, playing off each other so well; I have no idea how they manage to keep a straight face.

Joanne Clifton plays Polly the hotel maid. Her accent is spot on and the scenes her character shares with Basil had people in tears of laughter, particularly when she tries to guess the name of Basil’s racehorse and accidentally calls his wife a tart! Manuel, the final hotel staff member is played by Hemi Yeroham. What a performance! His mannerisms and facial expressions were on point throughout, making him a clear audience favourite.

Other noteworthy cast members include Paul Nicholas as the Major, Dawn Buckland as Miss Gatsby and Greg Haiste as Mr. Hutchinson. The entire cast had the audience laughing, crying and cringing throughout the show.

I know I have spent the last 350 words praising this show but honestly I cannot think of anything I did not enjoy. The casting was perfect. The set was fantastic (I always admire a show that makes it work with just one set). They even rearranged the letters of the Fawlty Towers sign to read “Watery Fowls” as a nod to the series’ iconic title sequence.

While there are parts of the original series that didn’t age so well, the funniest bits were kept for the play, with Basil always the butt of the joke. Fawlty Towers The Play is an amalgamation of the series’ best episodes and moments, tying them together flawlessly. It is a must-see show.

Fawlty Towers leaves Sheffield on Saturday 11 April so grab tickets while you can. Its next stop is Torquay, where I’m sure guests will have a perfectly normal experience and none of the jokes will seem extra funny in this location… tickets for Sheffield are on sale here.