Review: FAWLTY TOWERS - THE PLAY, Apollo Theatre

Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning

Fawlty Towers is a British institution that has continued to delight audiences, young and old, since its creation in 1975, which has now been adapted into a stage play. 

Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, the original writers, and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers - The Play blends some of the best loved moments from the show into a two-hour play. 

The set is a two story interior of the hotel, much like a dolls house which sets the scene instantly and provides a nostalgic feel. The show is littered much like the TV show with the chimes of the Fawlty Towers theme music. 

From the moment Adam Jackson-Smith steps onto the stage as Basil Fawlty, he commands it, providing an almost carbon copy of John Cleese’s portrayal, with a few little quirks of his own. This is no means an easy feat to take such a much loved and well known character and make it your own. 

Anna-Jane Casey is stellar as Sybil Fawlty, cutting in her portrayal, though she potentially could have been used more. However, her comic timing is impeccable. 

Victoria Fox as Polly is a delightful portrayal of Connie Booth’s original character, providing warmth in personality and accent. 

Hemi Yeroham does a great adaptation of Andrew Sachs’ bumbling Spanish waiter Manuel, providing a lot of physical humour with Jackson-Smith. The slapstick he provides is highly entertaining and is used at appropriate moments. 

Steven Meo and Rachel Izen as iconic Mr Hutchinson and Mrs Richards are scene stealers with their portrayals and they aren’t the only ones with star performances all over the stage. 

The show as a whole is enjoyable and has the right balance of nostalgia. It has a stellar cast and will delight audiences of all ages.

Besties, go and check yourself into Fawlty Towers! 

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Emma Rooney

Fawlty Towers - The Play runs at the Apollo Theatre until 28 September, with tickets available here.