Going into Fawlty Towers: The Play, I wasn’t sure what to expect. so stepping into the Wales Millennium Centre last night was both exciting and filled with a little apprehension. What I didn’t anticipate was just how instantly the show would capture the spirit, chaos and charm of the beloved sitcom. From the moment the lights came up, it was clear this wasn’t just an adaptation; it was a true love‑song to the original.
Adapted by John Cleese himself, the play weaves together three iconic episodes — Communication Problems, Hotel Inspectors and The Germans — with such precision that it feels as though they were always meant to be one story. Every beat, every misunderstanding, every escalating disaster lands exactly where long‑time fans expect it to, yet still manages to feel fresh and alive on stage. It’s a testament to how deeply the creators understand their audience: they know the moments we cherish, and they deliver them with absolute joy.
The cast is nothing short of extraordinary. Danny Bayne as Basil is a revelation — not only capturing Cleese’s unmistakable physicality and razor‑sharp timing, but embodying that barely‑contained fury that makes Basil such a delight to watch. Mia Austen brings Sybil’s sharp wit and iconic shrillness to life with uncanny accuracy, while Hemi Yeroham’s Manuel is so pitch‑perfect you forget, at times, that you’re not watching Andrew Sachs himself. Joanne Clifton shines as Polly, grounding the chaos with warmth and impeccable comic timing.
The supporting cast — Paul Nicholas as The Major, Jemma Churchill as Mrs Richards, and the brilliant ensemble of Greg Haiste, Emily Winter, Dawn Buckland, John Hasler, Adam Elliott, Neil Stewart, Josie Brightwell, Ashleigh Harvey, Ben Jacobson, Matthew Gordon and Raymond Rose — elevate every scene. Each performer slips so seamlessly into their roles that the entire production feels like stepping directly into the world of the original series.
And then there’s the set. Seeing the Fawlty Towers hotel recreated on stage is a moment in itself. Before the show even begins, the sight of that familiar layout — the reception desk, the dining room, the staircase — instantly transports you back in time. It’s astonishingly faithful, and it ties the whole experience together with a sense of nostalgia that hits you right in the chest.
Most importantly, the show is hilarious. Truly, uncontrollably, head‑thrown‑back hilarious. It captures everything that made Fawlty Towers so beloved: the mishaps, the misunderstandings, the mischief, the tongue‑in‑cheek humour, and that perfect blend of chaos and heart. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these characters for the first time, the play delivers a night of pure comedic joy.
Fawlty Towers: The Play is the perfect homage for long‑time fans and a brilliant introduction for new audiences. It’s a rare thing — a stage adaptation that honours its source material so completely while still feeling vibrant, fresh and utterly entertaining. I left the theatre grinning, nostalgic, and already wanting to watch it all over again.
Fawlty Towers: The Play will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until 27th June, and tickets are selling fast so get yours now!
You can find out more about Fawlty Towers: The Play on their website, Facebook and Instagram!
And keep up to date on everything going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram!
All photo credit to Hugo Glendinning
