Fawlty Towers Stage Play Achieves the Impossible in a Perfect Tribute
When considering the greatest British sitcoms of all time, Fawlty Towers often tops the list, even after five decades. The enduring appeal of its 12 classic episodes from the 1970s made it a natural choice for John Cleese to bring this beloved comedy to the West End stage. For fans like myself, who grew up watching the show on repeat with family, the excitement was palpable upon securing tickets to the touring production at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.
A Spectacular Set and Familiar Chaos
Before the actors even appeared, the set design left a strong impression, recreating Torquay's troubled hotel in spectacular fashion. It mirrored the TV staging so closely that audiences were instantly transported into a world of expected chaos. From the opening dialogue and introduction of familiar characters, everything felt absolutely spot on, setting the tone for a raucous evening.
Exceptional Performances That Honor the Original
Danny Bayne faced the daunting task of impersonating John Cleese's iconic portrayal of the eccentric Basil Fawlty. Incredibly, he pulled it off with perfect physicality, facial expressions, and expert comedy timing. Cleese himself praised Bayne as 'a funnier Basil than me,' a high compliment that is well-deserved. The cast overall was exceptional, with Hemi Yeroham nailing the role of the hapless Spanish waiter Manuel, eliciting uproarious laughter from the audience.
Mia Austen delivered a believable performance as the acerbic wife Sybil, paying great tribute to Prunella Scales. However, Joanne Clifton's portrayal of Polly Sherman was so uncanny that it often felt like watching the original actress, Connie Booth, adding an eerie accuracy to the show.
Clever Adaptation and Pacing
The play features a cleverly adapted script that weaves together the best sections of several episodes into one coherent, fast-paced, and hilarious narrative. While the first half had moments of slower pacing, the second half built up to a calamitous finale, seamlessly integrating highlights from different episodes. This approach serves as a 'best of' tribute act, honoring the genius of the original without striving for unnecessary improvements.
Audience Experience and Minor Drawbacks
Attending with my daughter, who replaced my unwell wife, highlighted that newcomers might feel like they're catching up on an in-joke, but she still enjoyed the finale. One aspect that doesn't fully translate to the stage is the close-up visual energy of Cleese's mannerisms, which added depth to the TV version. Nonetheless, the stage representation was handled well, maintaining the slapstick comedy farce's essence.
Overall, this production is a solid, warm, and fun-filled journey into a true masterpiece, reminding audiences of the exemplary writing and acting that made Fawlty Towers a timeless classic. It runs at the Grand Theatre until February 21st, offering a must-see experience for fans and newcomers alike.
