Review – John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers the Play – G Live, Guildford

The stage adaptation of John Cleese and Connie Booth’s 1975 British sitcom Fawlty Towers could easily have been a museum piece, preserving every inch of the beloved programme. Instead, this production cleverly brings the Fawlty Towers hotel in Torquay to life, breathing new energy into its residents and giving the audience either a warm hit of nostalgia or a delightful first introduction to the characters.  

The show is led by Basil Fawlty – played ‘Fawlt’-lessly by Danny Bayne. His performance dominates the stage with his high-energy physical moments, brilliant slapstick and comedy chops. He plays great homage to John Cleese whilst making it his own – a truly standout performance. With Fawlty attempting to please everyone, whom he believes to be a hotel inspector, Sybil – played by Mia Austen – is rushed off her feet dealing with an array of issues. Austen gives a fabulous performance of the stern wife, who definitely wears the trousers in their relationship! 

Joanne Clifton stars in this production, doing most of the dirty work around the famous Torquay hotel – Clifton has a great talent for acting and her portrayal of Polly really shines through. But another major standout performance comes from Hemi Yeroham as Manuel, who has the audience in hysterics with every scene, whether he is struggling with his English or forgetting all about the horse, Yeroham brings the comedy with him whenever he is onstage.    

Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, this production is a laugh-a-minute delight with so many comedic moments throughout. Ranger’s clever direction takes an empty (yet stunningly designed by Liz Ascroft) set and turns it into a bustling hotel. At any one moment, you can notice many things happening onstage; they may not be important, but it feels full and busy, which keeps the energy of the piece flowing well, and the pacing doesn’t feel too laboured from scene to scene. 

Whilst packed end to end with references to scenes and moments from the 1975 sitcom, this play is not necessarily exclusive to super-fans of the show. I would say that you do not need to have even seen the series at all to enjoy the comedy throughout, as the delivery is excellent, with impeccable comedic timing. There really is a laugh for everyone in this. 

The show is playing in Guildford at G-Live until the 20th of December before heading on the remainder of its tour so, if you’re looking for a classy way to have a night of hilarity at the theatre, why not try John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers? 

****      Four Stars