I checked into Fawlty Towers and I can confirm the owner is still as mad as ever.
For Basil Fawlty (Danny Bayne) and his insane antics had audiences in stitches throughout at the King’s Theatre on Tuesday night when the play version of the hit BBC sitcom rolled into town.
‘Don’t mention the war’ and ‘ I know nothing’ – two classic lines that bring tears to your eyes.
For the avid fan of the show, the punchlines are well known as creator John Cleese adapted the play from three classic episodes – The hotel Inspectors, Communication Problems and The Germans.
But for me, it was thrilling to really watch it for the first time. My dad had it on when I was a child and I barely paid attention – until now.
Fawlty Towers is set in a hotel run by impatient owner Basil and his demanding wife Sybil (Mia Austen). The audience follow the couple as they navigate demanding customers and a waiter who can’t speak a word of English. The combination of it all proves to be comedy gold.
This show is comedy at its best thanks to the creative genius of Cleese and his former wife Connie Booth who played Polly Sherman in the original series. The timing of jokes and the way the cast switch easily from being deadpan to eccentric is a complete joy to watch.
Bayne has mastered everything we love about Basil. He is neurotic, sarcastic and although flawed, incredibly funny. Bayne often just used movement to create the humour and that really is testament to the talent of the cast.
Similarly Manuel played by Hemi Yeroham had the same impact as he delighted the audience with not saying very much while constantly asking, “Que?”
Fawlty Towers – The Play will be loved by anyone who enjoyed the show but the storylines aren’t anything new.
That said the writing is still strong that you can’t help but laugh even if you know what is coming.
Catch Fawlty Towers – The Play at The King’s Theatre until Saturday, January 17.
Tickets can be purchased by www.atgtickets.com
