John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers The Play At Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel S-W
Fawlty Towers The Play has hit the stage at Mayflower Southampton with a huge explosion of laughter! John Cleese and Connie Booth co-wrote just 12 short episodes of the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers.
This adaptation for the stage was created by John Cleese himself, which created a seamless rendition of our much loved scenes. This hilariously funny TV show, featuring chaotic scenes in a Torquay hotel, was enough to captivate the UK for five decades. I had big expectations from Fawlty Towers: The Play but it did not disappoint. The audience was in full agreement with me and throughout the show I could hear the excited whispers when someone recognised their favourite part was coming up or the barely contained giggles as people braced themselves for the inevitable disaster they knew was coming. Half the fun was watching the audience realise it at the same time!
Entering into the theatre, we were met with the most amazing set. With the Fawlty Towers Hotel highlighted and perched on a hill, the reception area, the dining room and a bedroom visible. The detail that we could see with just minimal lowlights on the stage, and the house lights up full, it was like we were looking at the real set. The set was lit by vintage standing spotlights that gave the show its finishing touches, but when the house lights dimmed a murmur of recognition from the audience as the theme tune began.
The costumes well… we were transported back to 1970s Torquay fashion with suits, tank tops, high hair and brightly coloured dresses. The cast looked fantastic in their costumes, with Basil looking more and more flustered and undressed as the show went on … much like the TV programme.
Danny Bayne as Basil was fantastic to watch. It was like watching a young John Cleese on the stage. He had mastered the facial expressions, the voice, the stage presence and of course the timing. My favourite interactions were between Basil and Mrs Richards (played by Jemma Churchill), the elderly lady who had hearing aids but kept them turned off to save the batteries. The frustration was just off the chart!
Sybil, played by Mia Austen had Connie Booth’s “Baaaasssiiiiillllllll” perfectly pitched, earning instant recognition and huge laughs every single time she let it ring out.
Que!? Que?! I know nothing … but Hemi Yeroham was fantastic tonight as Manuel, the poor Spanish waiter from Barcelona. A bit of slapstick, quick dialogue, great chemistry and timing really made him stand out whilst Joanne Clifton portrayed a perfect Polly, showing just who was the glue that kept Fawlty Towers running. The cast landed so many perfectly timed moments, often delivering lines as if through a revolving door where the actors were on and then off stage. This on point precision landed many a classic moment.
The show brings together three iconic storylines from the 2 season sitcom. Expect hilarious slapstick comedy. This could be the last time to see it touring and with tickets selling fast … don’t miss your chance! With there only being 12 episodes, you can expect to see some nods to your favourite scenes and I can tell you we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves this evening. We were entertained with some light hearted comedy (which was definitely very 70s!) And I wasn’t disappointed.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets for the show started £29.50
https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/fawlty-towers-the-play-2026/
Mayflower Theatre
Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE