Fawlty Towers The Play at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
The beloved television series Fawlty Towers, first shown 50 years ago, to great acclaim, has been transferred to the stage, which the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth are fortunate enough to show until Saturday 20th June 2026. This follows a record breaking sold-out West End run.
The original series was written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, with John Cleese adapting this into a play for the stage. From the twelve episodes of Fawlty Towers, iconic storylines from ‘The Hotel Inspector’, ‘The Germans’ and ‘Communication Problems’ merge to successfully form one play.
The set and costumes perfectly portray the 1970’s, with the layered set showing the reception, entrance hall, dining room, staircase and bedroom within which the actors played their roles.
The cast of eighteen included key performances from Mia Austen (Sybil Fawlty); Basil Fawlty (Danny Bayne); Hemi Yeroham (Manuel); Paul Nicholas (The Major); Joanne Clifton (Polly Sherman) and Jemma Churchill (Mrs Richards). Sterling acting from the rest of the cast and the understudies.
Danny Bayne was superb in his portrayal of Basil Fawlty, with the physicality and stature of John Cleese (the original actor). The mannerisms of an increasing manic Basil were spot on, with facial expressions, gait and ‘funny walk’ making the audience laugh out loud. Mia Austen, overdressed in the fussy costume of Sybil, was so recognisable in her articulation of the character and ‘over-the-top’ cackling laugh. Her scathing putdowns and dominance of Basil was true to form, as was Basil’s mutterings and conformity to her constant orders. Hemi Yeroham as Manuel relished his role and key phrase ‘Que’, with his broken English language which created misunderstandings aplenty; his physicality was also superb. Joanne Clifton as Polly rushed around in her role, trying to placate everyone in an attempt to bring order to the chaos – excellent! Well done also to Jemma Churchill as a deaf and confused Mrs Richards, whose autocratic bearing was wonderful to watch.
This would appeal mainly to a particular generation of audience, who can fondly remember the original television sitcom of Fawlty Towers. I’m sure there were certainly members of the audience who were younger who clearly enjoyed the performance.
Acknowledgments must go to the Director (Caroline Jay Ranger); Lighting Designer (Ian Scott); Sound Designer (Rory Madden); Set & Costume Designer (Liz Ashcroft) and Casting Director (Anne Vosser).
A thoroughly entertaining and nostalgic play which played homage to the 1970’s era, with its stereotypical characters and the idiosyncrasies of that time. Some of the comedy was very dated, but of the time, especially references to Germans and WW2 and the bumbling Major (aptly played by Paul Nicolas).
The production of Fawlty Towers continues between 18th June 2026 to 20th June 2026 inclusive at 19.30 with 14.30 matinee performances on the 18th and 20th June 2026. Ticket prices start from £28.00 with concessions available. Approximate running time 1 hour 50 mins (including interval).
I would thoroughly recommend this play to anyone who enjoys nostalgic comedy or wants to know what made people laugh in the 1970’s – I’m sure the appeal would resonate with many. A small criticism is that it only lasted 1 hour 50 mins including the interval – the audience would have happily sat through more of the play!
Rating: 5/5
Box Office: 023 9282 8282; Box.office@kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth, Southsea, PO5 2QJ