First look photos of Fawlty Towers The Play have been released ahead of the shows official West End opening tonight.
The BBC comedy classic is brought to life on stage in a hilarious new play by John Cleese who wrote the original TV series with Connie Booth and starred in the show as Basil Fawlty.
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger (Only Fools and Horses The Musical, Monty Python Live), the new stage comedy is based on three of the original TV episodes: ‘The Hotel Inspector’ and ‘The Germans’ from series one, and ‘Communication Problems’ from series two.
The cast is led by 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 Poll; and Paul Nicholas (Just Good Friends, EastEnders) as The Major
Other cast include Rachel Izen as Mrs Richards; Steven Meo as Mr Hutchinson/German guest; Kate Russell-Smith as Miss Tibbs; Nicola Sanderson as Miss Gatsby; Greg Haiste as Mr Thurston/German guest; Danny Bayne as Mr Walt / Dr Finn; Neil Stuart as Taxi Driver/ Mr Firkins / Mr Kerr / Mr Sharp; Emma Fenney as German guest; and Hotel Guests played by Mia Austen, John Hasler, and Dale Superville. Completing the company are Ben Jacobson and Suzy Bloom.
The show began performances at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End on 4 May 2024 and welcomes the critics tonight for its official opening night.
Production photos – Fawlty Towers The Play
Behind-the-scenes rehearsal photos of the stage play Fawlty Towers were released last month.
Rehearsal photos – Fawlty Towers The Play
Video: Teaser Trailer – Fawlty Towers The Play
What is Fawlty Towers The Play about?
Set in a Torquay hotel run by Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil, following a tip off that hotel inspectors may be visiting and eager to impress, Basil attempts to ingratiate himself with guests that he suspects are there to critique the establishment. The situation is further plagued by a party of Germans, the deaf and dotty guest-from-hell, Mrs Richards, whose infuriating complaints prevent him from hiding a gambling win from his ever vigilant and bossy wife, Sybil. Together they run their hotel with a little help from the unflappable Polly, and very little help at all from Manuel, the trainee waiter from Barcelona who is the butt of Fawlty’s frustration.
Who are the creative team behind stage play Fawlty Towers?
Fawlty Towers The Play is based on the BBC comedy written by John Cleese and Connie Booth. It has been adapted for the stage by John Cleese and is directed by Caroline Jay Ranger. The creative team includes Set & Costume Designer Liz Ascroft, Lighting Designer Ian Scott, Casting Director Anne Vosser, Assistant Director Denise Ranger, and Resident Director Chris Kiely.
History of Fawlty Towers
Fawlty Towers was first broadcast on BBC Two on 19 September 1975, and went on to win many awards and plaudits including two BAFTAS for Best Situation Comedy and in 2000 it was voted the best British programme of all time in a British Film Institute poll.
Fawlty Towers The Play is playing at the Apollo Theatre from 4 May to 28 September 2024.
Book tickets to John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers The Play at the Apollo Theatre in London
UPDATED: First published on 29 April 2024 with rehearsal photos of Fawlty Towers The Play. Updated 15 May with official production photos.
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