Fawlty Towers is one of the most impressionable UK sitcoms of all time, with it only broadcasting 12 episodes between 1975 and 1979, it has become a well-respected part of British culture. Now fifty years on, the classic sitcom returns in the form of a stage play, mixing some of the best bits of the two series into a highly enjoyable romp. Currently playing the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 31st January.
The play follows the notoriously rude and stressed-out hotelier Basil Fawlty, as he attempts to manage his hotel – juggling the prospect of visiting inspectors, the bumbling major, Manuel attempting to translate English, the “guest from hell” (Mrs. Richards), and his bossy wife, Sybil. It’s safe to say Basil’s hopes of a smooth day is ruined.
Juggling this chaos and carrying on the baton from the great John Cleese is Danny Bayne as Basil. Danny does a great job in making this role his own – this isn’t a carbon copy of Cleese’s portrayal; there’s a noticeable change in the approach to some of the more well-known dialogue. Yet the man at boiling point is still very much present and as is the comedy nuance, perhaps the sarcasm could be a bit sharper, but for a role that seemed untouchable prior to this production, it is great to see Basil Fawlty revived on stage in all his psychotic glory
Bayne coupled with Mia Austen as Sybil brings golden moments of comedy to the stage. Mia’s sharp wit, farcical temper and rambunctious laugh bring to life brilliantly the late Prunella Scales’ matriarch.
Adding further chaos into proceedings is Hemi Yeroham as Manuel, who with little dialogue manages to tickle the audience with the slightest vacant facial expression. This is a great portrayal of the dithering Spanish waiter, who hits all the comic notes of the role seamlessly. Joanne Clifton swaps her usual dancing shoes for a duster, apron and nerves of steel as Polly. Originally played by Connie Booth, Joanne brings the layered sarcasm and steadfast dedication whilst Polly endures another tumultuous shift at Fawlty Towers.
Neil Stewart covers The Major in absence of Paul Nicholas for the press performance. Neil brings the stuffy and absent-minded Major to stage with confidence, nailing the rather dim-witted nature of the character. Jemma Churchill portrays the stoic and snappy Mrs Richards with the perfect balance of making her irritate as intended but not isolating the audience so much that they don’t resonate with the humour.
Additionally there is a great ensemble of actors tackling supporting roles that bring energy, humour and chaos to proceedings. This includes Greg Haiste as Mr Hutchinson/Wilhelm, Adam Elliot as Mr Walt, Emily Winter as Miss Tibbs, Dawn Buckland as Miss Gatsby, John Hasler as Mr Thurston/Günter, Raymond Rose as Taxi Driver/Mr Firkins/Mr Kerr/Mr Sharp, Josie Brightwell as Liz/Johanna, Ashleigh Harvey as Debbie, Ben Jacobson as Ken and Matthew Gordon as Mr Dale.
John Cleese writes this adaptation of his hit sitcom, with the intention of featuring the comedy’s best-known moments, whilst keeping it cohesive and fresh. This adaptation is highly successful and brings hilarity to audiences new and old. Caroline Jay Ranger has done well to retain Fawlty Towers’ identity for this production whilst directing, ensuring that whilst changes need to be made, the show it’s self is instantly recognisable as the television show everyone loves. There is some moments where the dials could be turned up further in terms of leaning more into the farcical antics, however this production does well not to be a carbon copy and allows the actors some creative license. Liz Ascroft’s costume and set design assists create the identifiable setting of 1970s Torquay.
Fawlty Towers being re-cast and put on a stage seemed unlikely to succeed due to the iconic status of the nostalgic sitcom. Yet this cast bring these hilariously flawed characters to life brilliantly, with a script that features the very best of this sitcom.
Get tickets here – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/fawlty-towers-the-play/edinburgh-playhouse/
Theatre Scotland 
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