John Cleese is set to bring laughter back to the stage with the highly anticipated return of "Fawlty Towers: The Play" at the Apollo Theatre in London. This comedy classic will run from June 24 to September 13, 2025, before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour.
Originally adapted from the beloved BBC sitcom, which first aired 50 years ago, the play has been a hit since its debut in Australia in 2016 and its subsequent move to the West End in May 2024. Cleese, who co-created the original series with Connie Booth, has selected three of his favorite episodes for this adaptation: "The Hotel Inspector," "The Germans," and "Communication Problems." These episodes have been woven into a two-hour performance that promises to capture the essence of the original show while delivering fresh comedic moments.
Speaking about the production, Cleese expressed his confidence in the cast, stating, "This may sound a bit smug, but I knew the script pretty well, and we’d done it in Australia a few years before Covid. I knew the script was very, very funny, but the moment which I was so thrilled about was when I was attending by Zoom the auditions, and I could not believe how good the people auditioning were." He noted that the auditions featured multiple talented actors vying for key roles, including three potential Basil Fawltys and several actors capable of playing Sybil, Manuel, and Polly.
As for the cast, Danny Bayne will take on the iconic role of Basil Fawlty, with Mia Austen portraying Sybil. Hemi Yeroham returns as Manuel, while Joanne Clifton plays Polly. Paul Nicholas reprises his role as The Major, and Helen Lederer takes on the role of Mrs. Richards. The ensemble cast also includes Greg Haiste, Emily Winter, Dawn Buckland, and more, all under the direction of Caroline Jay Ranger.
Set in a fictional hotel located in the seaside town of Torquay, the play revolves around Basil's frantic attempts to impress potential hotel inspectors while dealing with a variety of quirky guests, including a party of Germans and the notoriously difficult Mrs. Richards. The original sitcom, known for its sharp wit and memorable characters, produced only 12 episodes, but its impact on British comedy has been enduring.
Cleese, known for his roles in Monty Python and "A Fish Called Wanda," remarked, "I didn’t know whether we’d be 100 percent full or 80 percent, but there’s no way we’re going to be 30 percent, because this is funnier than anything else that’s on these days. I’ve seen one or two of the other things that are on and they’re just not very funny.” His bold claim raises questions about the current state of comedy and whether it truly lacks the humor that defined earlier eras.
However, the landscape of comedy has evolved, and many argue against Cleese's assertion. Shows like Amazon’s "Last One Laughing" continue to entertain audiences, and theatrical performances like "The Play That Goes Wrong" have kept laughter alive on stage. While Cleese may feel that contemporary comedy falls short, others contend that humor remains vibrant and diverse.
As the play prepares to return to the West End, it coincides with a significant anniversary—September 2025 marks 50 years since the first episode of the original "Fawlty Towers" aired. Cleese is excited about the milestone, stating, "I’m thrilled with the top-class group of comedy actors that we’ve assembled for Fawlty Towers’ return to the West End stage this June. Here we are, all these years later, still making theatres rock with laughter.”
With the excitement building around the production, fans are eager to see how Cleese’s vision translates to the stage once again. The Apollo Theatre, known for hosting iconic productions, will undoubtedly be filled with laughter and nostalgia as audiences relive the antics of Basil Fawlty and his team.
In conclusion, "Fawlty Towers: The Play" promises to be a comedic spectacle that pays homage to its roots while captivating both old fans and new audiences alike. As it gears up for its return, one thing is certain: the laughter will be loud, and the memories will be cherished.
