Fawlty Towers Review by Lynn Carroll

November 26, 2025

As soon as I took my seat for this trip down memory lane I sensed I was in for a treat. Before the show even started I knew it would be excellent based solely on the stage setting, so much detail logically placed that one could almost believe we were looking inside the interior of Fawlty Towers. Gone was that strange modern phenomenon of letting the audience imagine the props and scenery, often difficult whilst trying to concentrate on the actual story behind the play. Here it was laid out before us with no imagination required just full concentration on the comedic joy about to be acted out on stage.

I was aware of a fresh appreciation for those behind the scenes without whose talent the visual artistry would have lessened the experience, but in this case was used to great effect. On the stage we could see not just the dining room leading into the kitchen but also the reception, front entrance, stairs to the first floor and even one of the hotel rooms above all this. I must admit I found myself worrying for the character of Mrs Richards each time she entered this room as it was a long way down.

There was no skimping when it came to the number of actors on stage during each act, giving a further impression of a fairly busy hotel. Their interaction and comic timing was faultless ensuring a constant hubbub of laughter from the audience. We older audience members were of course able to compare the shenanigans with the original television series and it came extraordinarily close. Danny Bayne as Basil could have been a younger version of John Cleese and his portrayal of the hapless hotel owner could not have been bettered. Mia Austen as Sybil also represented the late Prunella Scales delightfully trying to keep order amongst the trail of chaos created by Basil.

The whole cast played their parts so well I cannot in all fairness pick out any for special mentions but, being only human, it is hard not to favour the characters we remember so well, namely Manuel and The Major played by Hemi Yeroham and Paul Nicholas. Apart from seeing Paul on stage at least 30 odd years ago I had not seen him in anything else since then so was surprised to read of his acting and singing credits since appearing in the BAFTA award winning comedy series ‘Just Good Friends’ which I watched weekly.

As for those who may be ultra sensitive to the un-PC comedy of days gone by I can only say that it is aimed at situations and not specific people, just fictional representations. Mrs Richard’s deafness created hilarity in her misheard phrases and Basil’s order to himself and the staff of ‘don’t mention the war’ only to keep referring to it after a bump on the head was a vehicle for yet more laughter. It would be a shame to gag creative talent which is not intended to hurt but merely to entertain. The world needs laughter and we got it in good measure with this comedy play, the audience applause proved it beyond doubt. As we left my companion wept tears of laughter and spluttered that she could have watched it all night, Fawlty Towers being her favourite comedy series of all time. I had to agree with her desire to see more, but they say that about any feast don’t they? Keep them wanting more.