UK TV channel U&GOLD has acquired the broadcast rights to smash-hit West End comedy Fawlty Towers The Play.
The show was recorded during its original run at the Apollo Theatre in London, starring Adam Jackson-Smith (The Girl On The Train, Outlander) as Basil Fawlty, Anna-Jane Casey (Cabaret, Girl From the North Country) as Sybil Fawlty; Hemi Yeroham (La Cage Aux Folles) as Manuel, Victoria Fox (Watching Glory Die) as Polly; and Paul Nicholas (Just Good Friends, EastEnders) as The Major.
U&GOLD will air the comedy in September, to mark the 50th anniversary of the classic sitcom’s first ever episode.
Fawlty Towers The Play is written by series co-writer and star John Cleese, and brings together three of the show’s most iconic episodes – The Hotel Inspector, The Germans and Communication Problems – into a single night of comedy. The West End stage adaptation is directed by Caroline Jay Ranger (Only Fools and Horses The Musical, Monty Python Live).
The show is currently back in the West End for a limited run until 13 September, starring Danny Bayne (Only Fools and Horses The Musical) as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen (Ludwig) as Sybil, Hemi Yeroham (La Cage Aux Folles) as Manuel, Joanne Clifton (Shrek The Musical) as Polly, Paul Nicholas (Just Good Friends) reprising his role as The Major, and Helen Lederer (Absolutely Fabulous) as Mrs Richards.
Fawlty Towers will then tour again, opening at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 30 September 2025 and then visiting more than 30 towns and cities. See all tour dates here.
Fawlty Towers originally premiered in the West End in May 2024, scoring great reviews from London’s theatre critics.
John Cleese said in a statement: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the wonderful response to Fawlty Towers The Play since its debut in the West End and it’s a pleasure to hear U&Gold will be bringing it straight to everyone’s living rooms just in time for the 50th anniversary”.
Gerald Casey, director of programming, comedy and entertainment at GOLD said: “Fawlty Towers is a cornerstone of British comedy, and we’re honoured to be the first place TV audiences can watch this new stage version to mark the show’s 50th anniversary. With the legendary John Cleese at the helm, U&GOLD viewers are really in for something special.”
Fawlty Towers The Play is playing at London’s Apollo Theatre, running until 13 September 2025.
Book tickets to Fawlty Towers – Apollo Theatre London
Book tickets to Fawlty Towers – UK & Ireland Tour
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