Review: Fawlty Towers (UK & Ireland Tour)

Review by Dan Ghigeanu

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With stage adaptations of hit films becoming an almost weekly occurrence, it takes something a little different to spark genuine curiosity. Television, surprisingly, remains a relatively untapped source for the stage. Perhaps that’s because adapting a sitcom presents its own unique challenges. I didn’t know anything about the play or the TV show, but with a source material as popular and iconic as Fawlty Towers, not to mention how strong the fan base is, my expectations were high. The question is would this stage adaptation leave me satisfied with the services provided or would I need to contact the manager?

Fawlty Towers first aired on TV in 1975, only running for two series and a total of 12 episodes, which makes its cultural impact all these decades later all the more impressive. This stage adaptation first premiered in Australia in 2016 and made its way across the pond to the UK with a West End run in 2024, returning for a second run the following year due to popular demand and now brings its laughs all around the UK and Ireland in its first ever tour. If you are unaware of the premise, Fawlty Towers is named after the Torquay hotel run by the ill-mannered Basil Fawlty and his strict wife Sybil. Not exactly the friendliest of managers you will ever meet, Basil is usually having an argument with someone, and getting himself into awkward and increasingly hilarious situations.

The original TV show was written by the actors who immortalised the iconic roles of Basil and Sybil, John Cleese and Connie Boot, with Cleese also writing this stage adaptation. It focuses on three of the most popular episodes, intertwined together to create one cohesive story. Cleese and Booth’s writing was clearly funny and popular in the 1970s and it is safe to say that the essence of the show has stood the test of time. It may not be the kind of show you go into expecting to leave with a life lesson, but it is the sort of show that you are confident will give you a good laugh, and sometimes that is all you need from a show. 

Much of that success comes down to Caroline Jay Ranger's assured direction. Translating a sitcom from screen to stage is no easy feat, particularly one so dependent on split-second reactions and physical comedy. Ranger allows misunderstandings to snowball across the stage with an infectious energy that never lets the pace drop. If there is one criticism, it is that the production rarely attempts to surprise. Those familiar with the original series will know where many of the biggest laughs are coming from, while newcomers can often spot the direction of travel before the punchline arrives. Yet this feels less like a creative shortcoming than a conscious decision. This production isn’t trying to reinvent Fawlty Towers, instead it functions as a celebration of a sitcom that generations continue to adore.     

The image of the hotel is ingrained in the mind of anybody who ever watched Fawlty Towers, and this is replicated in Liz Ascroft’s beautifully designed set, effortlessly capturing the instantly recognisable hotel without becoming overly elaborate. Smartly designed to keep the action flowing, it allows the relentless comings and goings to unfold seamlessly, with a subtle nod to the original series studio setup that fans of the show will undoubtedly appreciate.

Stepping into these iconic roles is an unenviable ask, but luckily the touring cast of Fawlty Towers are universally strong. Adam Eliot delivers an excellent Basil Fawlty, capturing the character’s explosive frustration, frantic desperation and barely concealed panic without simply impersonating John Cleese. Somehow, despite his appalling treatment of almost everyone around him, you still find yourself willing him to avoid complete disaster. Mia Austin gives an equally impressive turn as Sybil Fawlty. She commands every scene with quiet authority and perfectly judged deadpan delivery. Joanne Clifton brings warmth and charm to Polly while Hemi Yeroham gives a hilarious portrayal of Manuel. The hotel guests are interesting although sometimes a bit underused with Paul Nicholas delivering a strong turn as the Major and Jemma Churchill steal a few scenes in her portrayal of Mrs. Richards. 

As someone experiencing Fawlty Towers for the first time, there were occasional moments where it was clear certain laughs were fueled by nostalgia as much as the material itself. Some references seemed designed for devoted fans, leaving newcomers slightly on the outside looking in but more often than not, the comedy stands confidently on its own. This show isn’t attempting to redefine a comedy classic or offer a radical new interpretation, instead it lovingly recreates a world of Fawlty Towers. Some hotels pride themselves on impeccable service, Fawlty Towers has never been one of them but thankfully this production delivers exactly what was promised: a show that leaves you checking out with a smile.  

Fawlty Towers plays at the Marlowe Theatre until 23^rd July and continues its tour of the UK & Ireland until 1st August. Dates and tickets at Fawlty Towers | UK Tour

Photos by Hugo Glendinning