REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
DIRECT FROM THE WEST END
THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF
JOHN CLEESE’S
FAWLTY TOWERS – THE PLAY
UK & IRELAND TOUR 2025/2026
coming to Southend from
25 – 29 November 2025
Southend Cliffs Pavilion
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
DIRECT FROM THE WEST END
THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF
JOHN CLEESE’S
FAWLTY TOWERS – THE PLAY
UK & IRELAND TOUR 2025/2026
coming to Southend from
25 – 29 November 2025
Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Based on the renowned tv series, loved by millions during the 70s, when it first aired in September 1975, Fawlty Towers has been restructured to give theatre audiences the opportunity to appreciate John Cleese and Connie Booth’s genius writing wit on stage.
First performed at the Apollo Theatre, London, last May, this one hour and forty minute play set inside the Fawlty Towers hotel, is now on a UK tour and beds down at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion this week, checking out on Saturday (see what I did there?)
The first thing you notice is just how accurate the set design by Liz Ascroft is in line with the tv show, setting the reception desk and office to the left, the entrance hall and stairs just off centre and the famous dining room complete with swing doors leading out to the kitchen to the right of the stage. Above the stairs, there is the small guest room and beyond that, the backdrop is the facade of the hotel with the famous Fawlty Towers sign. A handful of camera spotlights surround the set - a nod to the show’s tv origins perhaps?
With the original Fawlty Towers having such a plethora of iconic characters, the casting of this play to reproduce these characters must have been quite the feat. I think it’s safe to say that every member of this cast is perfect in every way and fans of the show will not be disappointed. I think it's important to state that these actors are not impersonating the characters but are fully embodying each role as it was written.
The play is an amalgamation of Cleese’s favourite episodes, rewritten by him to merge perfectly into one story in a play format. This farcical style of comedy is timeless and has adapted to stage seamlessly and with the fantastic direction from Caroline Jay Ranger it really delivers a fresh approach for old and new fans of the show.
The show bounds along at a great pace and from the moment we meet Danny Bayne and Mia Austen as Basil and Sybil, we know we’re in good hands. Bayne has captured every comical nuance of the absurd Basil Fawlty character and slips into the role with sheer gusto, parading around the stage one moment like a demented peacock as he berates a guest; and in the next moment he’s shrivelled into a pathetic foetal position as he despairs over his life choices. His physicality and comic timing are spot on, as is Austen as she embraces the role of acerbic Sybil and gives us that famously nasal cry of “Basil!!!” which was a joy for impressionists at the time to mimic.
Likewise with Joanne Clifton in the role of Polly, who has captured the voice and personality of Connie Booth who played Polly in the tv series, so perfectly. Paul Nicholas is absolutely charming as the forgetful Major and of course, Manuel, (“I come from Barcelona") who coined the catchphrase “I know nothing” in cod Spanish so brilliantly, played here by Hemi Yeroham - again every move and gesture reminiscent of the original character.
Fawlty Towers the Play has brought three (although I think there’s actually four) of the 12 episodes together rather brilliantly, utilising some of Cleese’s favourite characters in particular the deaf, outspoken elderly lady guest, Mrs Richards, excellently played by Jemma Churchill and Greg Haste’s Mr Hutchinson, the pernickety guest who manages to get Fawlty apoplectic with inner rage with all of his demands.
Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without the arrival of the Germans and this is probably where the best laughs are to be had in an already hilarious evening of entertainment. You could sense the audience’s delight at Fawlty’s request to his staff to not mention the war and then blundering himself into saying it himself over and over again. It’s exactly what the audience have come for and this cast have delivered in abundance. The set, costumes and slapstick performances are all a joy.
For a nostalgic evening which stays true to its origins in every way, Fawlty Towers the Play definitely ticks all the boxes.
Fawlty Towers really can’t be faulted.
Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out on this hilarious trip down memory lane.
Review: Kim Tobin
First performed at the Apollo Theatre, London, last May, this one hour and forty minute play set inside the Fawlty Towers hotel, is now on a UK tour and beds down at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion this week, checking out on Saturday (see what I did there?)
The first thing you notice is just how accurate the set design by Liz Ascroft is in line with the tv show, setting the reception desk and office to the left, the entrance hall and stairs just off centre and the famous dining room complete with swing doors leading out to the kitchen to the right of the stage. Above the stairs, there is the small guest room and beyond that, the backdrop is the facade of the hotel with the famous Fawlty Towers sign. A handful of camera spotlights surround the set - a nod to the show’s tv origins perhaps?
With the original Fawlty Towers having such a plethora of iconic characters, the casting of this play to reproduce these characters must have been quite the feat. I think it’s safe to say that every member of this cast is perfect in every way and fans of the show will not be disappointed. I think it's important to state that these actors are not impersonating the characters but are fully embodying each role as it was written.
The play is an amalgamation of Cleese’s favourite episodes, rewritten by him to merge perfectly into one story in a play format. This farcical style of comedy is timeless and has adapted to stage seamlessly and with the fantastic direction from Caroline Jay Ranger it really delivers a fresh approach for old and new fans of the show.
The show bounds along at a great pace and from the moment we meet Danny Bayne and Mia Austen as Basil and Sybil, we know we’re in good hands. Bayne has captured every comical nuance of the absurd Basil Fawlty character and slips into the role with sheer gusto, parading around the stage one moment like a demented peacock as he berates a guest; and in the next moment he’s shrivelled into a pathetic foetal position as he despairs over his life choices. His physicality and comic timing are spot on, as is Austen as she embraces the role of acerbic Sybil and gives us that famously nasal cry of “Basil!!!” which was a joy for impressionists at the time to mimic.
Likewise with Joanne Clifton in the role of Polly, who has captured the voice and personality of Connie Booth who played Polly in the tv series, so perfectly. Paul Nicholas is absolutely charming as the forgetful Major and of course, Manuel, (“I come from Barcelona") who coined the catchphrase “I know nothing” in cod Spanish so brilliantly, played here by Hemi Yeroham - again every move and gesture reminiscent of the original character.
Fawlty Towers the Play has brought three (although I think there’s actually four) of the 12 episodes together rather brilliantly, utilising some of Cleese’s favourite characters in particular the deaf, outspoken elderly lady guest, Mrs Richards, excellently played by Jemma Churchill and Greg Haste’s Mr Hutchinson, the pernickety guest who manages to get Fawlty apoplectic with inner rage with all of his demands.
Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without the arrival of the Germans and this is probably where the best laughs are to be had in an already hilarious evening of entertainment. You could sense the audience’s delight at Fawlty’s request to his staff to not mention the war and then blundering himself into saying it himself over and over again. It’s exactly what the audience have come for and this cast have delivered in abundance. The set, costumes and slapstick performances are all a joy.
For a nostalgic evening which stays true to its origins in every way, Fawlty Towers the Play definitely ticks all the boxes.
Fawlty Towers really can’t be faulted.
Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out on this hilarious trip down memory lane.
Review: Kim Tobin
Casting is announced today for the UK and Ireland tour of John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play. Following the hugely successful and critically acclaimed West End run earlier this year and a return three-month summer season this June, “the funniest show in town” (Daily Express) will embark on a major 10-month tour from 30 September 2025 - August 2026. Tickets are on sale now from FawltyTowersTour.co.uk.
This “as good as comedy gets” production (Sunday Times) – which first opened in May 2024 to a host of rave reviews - is directed by originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, and stars Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil, Hemi Yeroham reprising his role as Manuel, Joanne Clifton as Polly, Paul Nicholas reprising his role as The Major and Jemma Churchill as Mrs Richards.
Nearly 50 years since Fawlty Towers was first broadcast on BBC Two on 19 September 1975, comedy legend John Cleese, who originally co-wrote the “greatest British sitcom of all time” (Radio Times) with Connie Booth, has chosen three of his favourite original TV episodes - ‘The Hotel Inspector’ and ‘The Germans’ from series one and ‘Communication Problems’ from series two - and adapted them into a two-hour play, complete with a new finale.
Theatre goers across the country are in for a treat as this “comedy masterpiece makes a seamless transition to the stage” (The Arts Desk) to deliver “an indisputably funny evening” (Daily Telegraph), as “from the moment Basil walks on stage, the audience start laughing” (Daily Mail) whilst watching “some of the best punchlines ever written” (London Theatre). To quote Broadway World; “if you loved the original TV series, you will adore this show”.
John Cleese said: “I’m thrilled with the top-class group of comedy actors that we've assembled for the UK tour of Fawlty Towers - The Play which begins in September. September also marks exactly 50 years since the first ever TV episode was broadcast on the BBC. I never thought that all these years later the stage show would get the reception that it has. But here we are, still making theatres rock with laughter.”
The play also features other beloved characters from the original TV sitcom: Mr Hutchinson / Wilhelm played by Greg Haiste; Miss Tibbs played by Emily Winter; Miss Gatsby played by Dawn Buckland; Mr Thurston / Günter played by John Hasler; Mr Walt played by Adam Elliott; Taxi Driver/ Mr Firkins / Mr Kerr / Mr Sharp played by Neil Stewart; and Johanna and Liz (Hotel Guest) played by Josie Brightwell. Completing the company of players are Ashleigh Harvey playing Debbie (Hotel Guest), Ben Jacobson playing Ken (Hotel Guest), Matthew Gordon playing Mr Dale (Hotel Guest) and Raymond Rose playing Philip (Hotel Guest).
Following a tip off that hotel inspectors may be visiting and eager to impress, Basil 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, the deaf and dotty guest-from-hell, Mrs Richards, whose infuriating complaints prevent him from hiding a gambling win from his ever vigilant and bossy wife, Sybil. Together they run their hotel with a little help from the unflappable Polly, and very little help at all from Manuel, the trainee waiter from Barcelona who is the butt of Fawlty’s frustration.
Set in a fictional hotel in the seaside town of Torquay, only 12 half hour episodes of the original BBC comedy were ever made. Based on a real-life hotel owner, Donald Sinclair. John Cleese came up with the idea for the character Basil Fawlty when he stayed at Sinclair’s Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay and became fascinated with his incredibly rude behaviour.
The iconic TV show won many awards and plaudits including two BAFTAS for Best Situation Comedy and in 2000 it was voted the best British programme of all time in a British Film Institute poll.
Creative Team:
Written by John Cleese & Connie Booth
Adapted for the stage by John Cleese
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger
Set and Costume Designer – Liz Ascroft
Lighting Designer – Ian Scott
Casting Director – Anne Vosser
Assistant Director – Denise Ranger
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Website: FawltyTowersTour.co.uk
Instagram: @FawltyTowersWestEnd
Facebook: @FawltyTowersWestend
X: @FawltyTowersWE
This “as good as comedy gets” production (Sunday Times) – which first opened in May 2024 to a host of rave reviews - is directed by originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, and stars Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil, Hemi Yeroham reprising his role as Manuel, Joanne Clifton as Polly, Paul Nicholas reprising his role as The Major and Jemma Churchill as Mrs Richards.
Nearly 50 years since Fawlty Towers was first broadcast on BBC Two on 19 September 1975, comedy legend John Cleese, who originally co-wrote the “greatest British sitcom of all time” (Radio Times) with Connie Booth, has chosen three of his favourite original TV episodes - ‘The Hotel Inspector’ and ‘The Germans’ from series one and ‘Communication Problems’ from series two - and adapted them into a two-hour play, complete with a new finale.
Theatre goers across the country are in for a treat as this “comedy masterpiece makes a seamless transition to the stage” (The Arts Desk) to deliver “an indisputably funny evening” (Daily Telegraph), as “from the moment Basil walks on stage, the audience start laughing” (Daily Mail) whilst watching “some of the best punchlines ever written” (London Theatre). To quote Broadway World; “if you loved the original TV series, you will adore this show”.
John Cleese said: “I’m thrilled with the top-class group of comedy actors that we've assembled for the UK tour of Fawlty Towers - The Play which begins in September. September also marks exactly 50 years since the first ever TV episode was broadcast on the BBC. I never thought that all these years later the stage show would get the reception that it has. But here we are, still making theatres rock with laughter.”
The play also features other beloved characters from the original TV sitcom: Mr Hutchinson / Wilhelm played by Greg Haiste; Miss Tibbs played by Emily Winter; Miss Gatsby played by Dawn Buckland; Mr Thurston / Günter played by John Hasler; Mr Walt played by Adam Elliott; Taxi Driver/ Mr Firkins / Mr Kerr / Mr Sharp played by Neil Stewart; and Johanna and Liz (Hotel Guest) played by Josie Brightwell. Completing the company of players are Ashleigh Harvey playing Debbie (Hotel Guest), Ben Jacobson playing Ken (Hotel Guest), Matthew Gordon playing Mr Dale (Hotel Guest) and Raymond Rose playing Philip (Hotel Guest).
Following a tip off that hotel inspectors may be visiting and eager to impress, Basil 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, the deaf and dotty guest-from-hell, Mrs Richards, whose infuriating complaints prevent him from hiding a gambling win from his ever vigilant and bossy wife, Sybil. Together they run their hotel with a little help from the unflappable Polly, and very little help at all from Manuel, the trainee waiter from Barcelona who is the butt of Fawlty’s frustration.
Set in a fictional hotel in the seaside town of Torquay, only 12 half hour episodes of the original BBC comedy were ever made. Based on a real-life hotel owner, Donald Sinclair. John Cleese came up with the idea for the character Basil Fawlty when he stayed at Sinclair’s Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay and became fascinated with his incredibly rude behaviour.
The iconic TV show won many awards and plaudits including two BAFTAS for Best Situation Comedy and in 2000 it was voted the best British programme of all time in a British Film Institute poll.
Creative Team:
Written by John Cleese & Connie Booth
Adapted for the stage by John Cleese
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger
Set and Costume Designer – Liz Ascroft
Lighting Designer – Ian Scott
Casting Director – Anne Vosser
Assistant Director – Denise Ranger
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Website: FawltyTowersTour.co.uk
Instagram: @FawltyTowersWestEnd
Facebook: @FawltyTowersWestend
X: @FawltyTowersWE
Performance Times
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:30pm
Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: 2:30pm
DATE
VENUE
25 – 29 November
Southend Cliffs Pavilion
01 – 06 December
Plymouth Theatre Royal
09 – 20 December
Guildford G Live
2026
06 – 10 January
Leeds Grand Theatre*
13 – 17 January
Glasgow King’s Theatre
20 – 24 January
Aberdeen Music Hall
27 – 31 January
Edinburgh Playhouse
03 – 07 February
Sunderland Empire
10 – 21 February
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
24 – 28 February
Stoke Regent Theatre
03 – 07 March
Southampton Mayflower
10 – 14 March
Ipswich Regent Theatre
17 – 21 March
Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre
24 – 28 March
Bradford Alhambra Theatre
02 – 04 April
Blackpool Opera House
14 – 18 April
Torquay Princess Theatre
21 – 25 April
Truro Hall for Cornwall
28 April – 02 May
Milton Keynes Theatre
05 – 09 May
Llandudno Venue Cymru*
12 – 16 May
Hull New Theatre
19 – 23 May
York Grand Opera House
26 – 30 May
Woking New Victoria Theatre
02 – 06 June
Nottingham Theatre Royal
09 – 13 June
Norwich Theatre Royal
16 – 20 June
Portsmouth Kings Theatre
23 – 27 June
Cardiff Wales Millenium Centre
30 June – 04 July
Newcastle Theatre Royal*
07 – 11 July
Dartford Orchard Theatre
14 – 18 July
Oxford New Theatre
21 July – 25 July
Canterbury Marlowe Theatre
28 July – 01 August
Dublin Bord Gais Theatre
04 August – 08 August
Derry Millenium Forum
*Paul Nicholas will not be performing
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:30pm
Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: 2:30pm
DATE
VENUE
25 – 29 November
Southend Cliffs Pavilion
01 – 06 December
Plymouth Theatre Royal
09 – 20 December
Guildford G Live
2026
06 – 10 January
Leeds Grand Theatre*
13 – 17 January
Glasgow King’s Theatre
20 – 24 January
Aberdeen Music Hall
27 – 31 January
Edinburgh Playhouse
03 – 07 February
Sunderland Empire
10 – 21 February
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
24 – 28 February
Stoke Regent Theatre
03 – 07 March
Southampton Mayflower
10 – 14 March
Ipswich Regent Theatre
17 – 21 March
Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre
24 – 28 March
Bradford Alhambra Theatre
02 – 04 April
Blackpool Opera House
14 – 18 April
Torquay Princess Theatre
21 – 25 April
Truro Hall for Cornwall
28 April – 02 May
Milton Keynes Theatre
05 – 09 May
Llandudno Venue Cymru*
12 – 16 May
Hull New Theatre
19 – 23 May
York Grand Opera House
26 – 30 May
Woking New Victoria Theatre
02 – 06 June
Nottingham Theatre Royal
09 – 13 June
Norwich Theatre Royal
16 – 20 June
Portsmouth Kings Theatre
23 – 27 June
Cardiff Wales Millenium Centre
30 June – 04 July
Newcastle Theatre Royal*
07 – 11 July
Dartford Orchard Theatre
14 – 18 July
Oxford New Theatre
21 July – 25 July
Canterbury Marlowe Theatre
28 July – 01 August
Dublin Bord Gais Theatre
04 August – 08 August
Derry Millenium Forum
*Paul Nicholas will not be performing