Fawlty Towers - The Play, Apollo Theatre Review
The cast of Fawlty Towers The Play. Photo by Hugo Glendinning
Written by Becky A for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Adapted for the stage by the original Basil Fawlty himself John Cleese and based on the TV series of the same name, Fawlty Towers - The Play is a funny, witty and intelligent reawakening of the show some of us grew up to and loved to laugh at. Debuting on the West End almost 50 years after the TV Show originally hit our screens, the play features all of our favourite and unforgettable moments from the episode we became captivated by.
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, written by John Cleese and Connie Booth (both known for their roles in the original TV series) and starring Adam Jackson-Smith as the ever snooty, satirical and hilarious Basil, the cast and crew have made a reputable attempt to bring these beloved characters back to life. Cleese recently stated that the show “adapted three of my favourite episodes for the stage and wrote one huge finale, which will bring together the endings of all three episodes”.
As a fan of the TV show myself, I can honestly say the plots that were decided on and the way the whole play came together really commemorated a period in TV history where everyone would huddle around the TV and forget about their worries and just simply laugh. There’s nothing quite like a show that can allow you to be in the moment and truly smile.
Through Fawlty Towers - The Play we follow Basil as he goes through the hilarious trials and tribulations of running Torquay’s most chaotic hotel. Special shout out to Hemi Yeroham who does a fantastic rendition of the lovable yet clueless Manuel. I found his scenes gave me the most laughter, his delivery was faultless.
Caroline Jay Ranger had a mammoth task of directing such an iconic show as this one. Taken in her stride, she dealt with bringing to life these huge, well-loved characters fantastically and all of the cast shone in their own right, thanks to her excellent direction.
The set was brilliant yet simplistic, curated well by Liz Ashcroft who also perfectly designed the characters' costumes too. It was brilliantly executed with the upstairs and downstairs of the hotel, including the backdrop of the exterior of the hotel itself. A perfect representation of the fictional hotel on the southwestern English coast.
Connie Booth and John Cleese are clearly a duo of writers who are consistently in their prime and know what it is to make a show just work.
Fawlty Towers is a huge part of British TV culture and I think it’s such a brilliant idea to bring it to the West End. Plays such as these are so important in bringing multiple generations of us together, which is something that really keeps theatre alive. Watching people of all ages rocking back and forth with laughter and joy is truly a beautiful thing to experience. Fawlty Towers - The Play is a welcome addition to light up the street of Shaftesbury Avenue.
★★★★★
