Fawlty Towers
December 4, 2024
Nearly 50 years since it first hit our TV screens, the ‘greatest British sitcom of all time’ (Radio Times) is now a brand-new stage play, adapted by comedy legend John Cleese. Written by Cleese, who co-wrote the original TV series with Connie Booth and starred as the inimitable Basil Fawlty, this really is the stage comedy event of the year!
The two-hour play is based on three of the original 12 TV episodes, The Hotel Inspector and The Germans from series one and Communication Problems from series two.
He said: “What a thrill to be bringing Fawlty Towers to the West End for the first time – nearly 50 years since the show was first recorded, in December 1974. I’ve adapted three of my favourite episodes for the stage and written one huge finale, which will bring together the endings of all three episodes. So here we are, all the way from Torquay, via the old BBC Television Centre, to the West End! I do hope some of you will come to the Apollo to laugh together. And laugh. And laugh…”
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger (Only Fools and Horses The Musical and Monty Python Live), John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers brings many of the beloved sitcom characters to life on stage.
Following a tip off that hotel inspectors may be visiting and eager to impress, Basil (Adam Jackson-Smith) attempts to ingratiate himself with guests that he suspects are there to critique the establishment. The situation is further plagued by a party of Germans and the deaf and dotty guest-from-hell, Mrs Richards (Rachel Izen), whose infuriating complaints prevent him from hiding a gambling win from his ever vigilant and bossy wife, Sybil (Anna-Jane Casey).
Other familiar characters to appear include the unflappable Polly (Victoria Fox), the bumbling Major (Paul Nicholas) and, of course, the infamous Manuel (Hemi Yeroham), the trainee waiter from Barcelona who is the butt of Fawlty’s frustration.
Offer Price £85.00
to include return coach, Band A seat, all booking & admin fees and driver’s gratuity.
Pick-up 4.30pm
Location: Dorking Halls