Fawlty Towers at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Zoey Caldwell
Looking back at my childhood and time with my family has to include my dad, rolling around on the floor, tears streaming down his face laughing at Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers. So having the opportunity to watch Fawlty Towers the Play was a chance to take a step back in time and relive those iconic comedy moments.
Fawlty Towers the Play has been adapted for stage by one of the original writers John Cleese, and the play stays very loyal to the sitcom. The main characters are exactly the same as I remembered, clothes, hairstyles and accents all perfectly honoured.
For those of you that may not have watched Fawlty Towers before, the play is set in the Fawlty Towers hotel owned by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. It follows the married couple that maybe should have separated years ago and the ridiculous struggles that they face. I am not talking not being able to pay the bills but slapstick comedy troubles. Sybil is played by Mia Austen and she has nailed the very memorable “Basil” shriek and Sybil’s unforgettable laugh. Sybil really is a thorn in Basil’s side and she has him on a tight leash throughout the entire play.
The play is a “mash up” of episodes from the television show, the best comedy parts blended together seamlessly to create one story.
The relationship between Basil and Sybil is fraught but the relationship between Manuel (Hemi Yeroham) is brilliant. Poor, poor Manuel, he gets just as much abuse from Basil on the stage show as he did in the series and both Basil (Danny Bayne) and Manuel’s comedy timing is fabulous. As mentioned earlier the play stays very true to the series and the slapstick violence that Basil inflicts on Manuel probably wouldn’t be allowed to be aired today but it remains, funny.
Polly helps run the hotel and she is extremely loyal to the hapless Basil and tries her best to dig him out of the many uncomfortable scenarios he finds himself in. Polly is played by Joanne Clifton and her accent is very similar to the original actress. The Major a wonderful, forgetful regular guest at the hotel is played brilliantly by Paul Nicolas. Every actor seems to have studied the show intensely, not only do they all look convincing, but they sound like the originals.
Fawlty Towers the Play has many laugh out loud moments, Manuel, the Major and a talking moose head comes to mind. However, they do leave the very best to last. They could not leave out when the hotel is expecting German visitors and Basil’s absolute hash of not mentioning the war, descends into total chaos, with him not only mentioning the war in almost every sentence but the gangly legged Nazi walk is included. Not only does this lead to some very distressed German tourists, but a lobby of other guests also awaiting a fire drill – an actual fire with poor Manuel being locked in the kitchen, a rat, Major with a gun and sheer madness, Pure comedy gold brought from the screens to the stage. Expertly acted, fabulous set.
If like me you are feeling nostalgic, give Fawlty Towers the Play a go!
Rating: 4/5
Tickets Cost from: £28.95 plus £3.95 transaction fee
Fawlty Towers the Play is at Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes from 28th April until 2nd May 2026 for more information visit: ATGtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0207 2061174
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ
https://www.miltonkeynes-theatre.co.uk/shows/milton-keynes-theatre/fawlty-towers