Can you believe it’s been over 50 years since Fawlty Towers was aired? It first appeared on our screens in 1975 and then only two series, each of six episodes. Twelve episodes of comedy which has spanned multiple generations and is generally hailed as the best comedy series of all time. How on earth do you replicate something that has been part of our comedy history, particularly where expectations are going to be at the highest, on the stage?
Well, they have and they’ve done a most excellent job of it too!
Let’s start with the set. Considering the programme was a TV set, it’s pretty logical to assume it can be easily duplicated for the stage. It was, and it was near perfect. The curtains were open and the set was on display while we were taking our seats and we’re filled with comfort as we feel we’re part of the actual studio audience. This keeps our expectations high.
The show starts. All the characters are there and look spot on. Of course, these are different human beings therefore our expectations are dented ever so slightly, however we do quickly warm up as we put ourselves in check and remember we’re not watching the TV show.
The actors, an 18-strong cast, have the hardest job with such a show. However, they smashed it out of the park. The mannerisms, tones of voice, the laugh, they characterised the personalities and charms perfectly, whilst making them their own versions and I don’t mean they were adapting the characters, as you certainly cannot do that here, however their natural charismas came through. They were brilliant and how wonderful to see Paul Nicholas.
Now, how do you put twelve episodes into a stage show? This adaptation was smart. They have taken, now I can’t say the ‘best’ storylines as they were all good, but they have taken three of the main stories and seamlessly blended them with classic moments into the shenanigans that happen at the hotel over two days.
We had the storylines from The Hotel Inspectors, The Germans, and the Communication Problems episodes which are filled with iconic jokes. From the moose head, the fire drill, the horse racing win, the deaf guest….so so many. The show was able to blend the wonderful humour and stories into a build up into the chaotic, awkwardness which Basil Fawlty seems to create.
It was funny, even when you know what was going to happen next, it was still funny. It was brilliant when Danny Bayne did the iconic Basil humour and we laughed hard. Many times. I even said out loud ‘I know nothing’ to match Manuel. It did however seem to end seemingly abruptly in the shorter second half and they really missed a trick with the ‘Farty Towels’
It’s a great show, it provides a level of warm nostalgic familiarity, it brings back many memories of where we were the first time we saw it (and maybe the second and fifth times too). It hits nearly every point on the list and truly is a super fun night out.
Main Cast:
Danny Bayne – Basil
Mia Austin – Sybil
Hemi Yeroham – Manuel
Joanne Clifton – Polly
Paul Nicholas – The Major
The show is playing at The Ipswich Regent until 14th March – click here for more info.