The sheer pandemonium of Torquay's most disastrous hotel is set to storm the stage as the legendary BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers receives its first-ever theatrical adaptation. In an extraordinary coup for theatreland, original creator and comedy icon John Cleese has masterminded the production, ensuring the magic of the original series translates perfectly to live performance.
The production will bring together two of television's most beloved episodes: 'The Hotel Inspectors' and 'The Germans'. Audiences can expect the full, glorious chaos of Basil's disastrous attempts to impress undercover hotel inspectors and his now-legendary 'Don't mention the war!' fracas.
A Stellar Cast Steps Into Iconic Roles
Stepping into the shoes of John Cleese's manic Basil Fawlty is none other than Adam Jackson-Smith (The Windsors). He will be joined by Anna-Jane Casey (Billy Elliot, Coronation Street) as the formidable Sybil and Hattie Hayridge (Red Dwarf) as the unflappable Miss Tibbs. The hapless Manuel will be portrayed by Paul Nicholas, promising a night of side-splitting laughter and impeccable timing.
From Screen to Stage: A Labour of Love
This ambitious project is a direct collaboration with Cleese's own company, Why Not Productions, and veteran theatre producer Phil McIntyre. The aim is to faithfully recreate the claustrophobic, frantic energy of the hotel while giving live audiences a fresh experience. The set design promises to be a character in itself, immersing the audience directly into the heart of the chaos.
Following a highly anticipated premiere in London's West End next spring, the production is scheduled for a major UK and Ireland tour. This gives fans across the nation a chance to witness a piece of British comedy history performed live.
For an entire generation, Fawlty Towers represents the absolute pinnacle of British farce. This stage adaptation is not merely a nostalgia trip; it is a celebration of timeless writing and characters that continue to resonate deeply, proving that some comedy truly is eternal.
