Few British comedies have stood the test of time quite like Fawlty Towers, a series that remains one of the finest examples of farcical writing and impeccable timing ever to grace our television screens. Now, John Cleese himself has adapted the mayhem of Torquay’s most dysfunctional hotel to the stage with Fawlty Towers – The Play, directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, and currently at the Manchester Opera House as part of a UK Tour.
The play cleverly combines some of the most beloved episodes from the original two series, creating a sort of ‘best of’ Fawlty Towers experience. From the chaos of the missing salad to the unforgettable fire drill and the classic German guests, the production cleverly went from one disaster to another. The two-tiered set perfectly recreates the hotel’s familiar layout, with the reception and dining room below and the guest room above, allowing the pandemonium to unfold on multiple levels!
At the heart of the show is Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, a performance that pays homage to Cleese’s original creation while adding fresh energy and physical brilliance of its own. Bayne captures Basil’s blend of pomposity, frustration, and sheer exasperation with uncanny precision; his manic expressions and explosive delivery earn roars of laughter throughout. Joanne Clifton, best known for her glittering Strictly Come Dancing success, brings charm and wit to the role of Polly. She is the perfect foil to Basil’s fury, grounding the chaos with her calm presence and sharp comedic instincts.
Adding to this fantastic line-up is Paul Nicholas as the delightfully dotty Major. A familiar face to many from the popular 1980s TV show Just Good Friends, Nicholas plays the part with warmth and nostalgia, embodying the absent-minded eccentric with impeccable comic timing. The supporting cast also shine, each delivering the rapid-fire farce with precision and heart, a testament to Ranger’s slick and fast-paced direction.
With its masterful staging, impeccable performances, and loving attention to detail, Fawlty Towers -The Play is a joyous trip to the theatre. It’s a night of non-stop laughter that celebrates one of Britain’s greatest comedies – proving that, even fifty years on, there’s still nothing quite like a stay at Fawlty Towers.
Verdict: Faultless farce – brilliantly staged, hilariously performed, and utterly unmissable!
Reviewer: Max Eden
Reviewed: 4th November 2025
North West End UK Rating: