Swindon Link freelance writer Jessica Durston attended the press night for Fawlty Towers: The Play at the New Theatre in Oxford.
Mia Austen as Sybil and Danny Bayne as Basil (Official press image credit Hugo Glendinning)
Fawlty Towers is one of those television programmes that in the past, I have greatly enjoyed watching together with my family. It was a good leveller, providing an opportunity for us all to enjoy something as one, and share a laugh (or twenty).
Like it does for many others, the show holds a special place in my heart and has connected me with those from other generations. It's an essential piece of British entertainment history that you just need to watch. I couldn't wait to see what the team behind this production had done with this timeless televisual classic.
I was filled with excitement from the very moment I woke up in the morning on press night day, and this did not cease until the final swell of anticipation broke right before the stage curtains opened, the empty set was revealed, and the actors then took to their markers.
For those of you wanting the TLDR version of this review - it's fair to say I could tell from the first two minutes in that the show was going to be brilliant. Sybil Fawlty appears at reception on the phone with her 'I knows' and shrill cackle, as Basil sits across from her in the dining area, his face a perfect picture of derision. The tone was set perfectly and the raucous laughter and fun continued on for the next two hours.
John Cleese's adapted screenplay really brings the beloved television series to life on stage. The transposition is immaculate, and this British classic feels safe in the hands of director Caroline Jay Ranger.
The incredible set pieces (from Liz Ascroft and the team) steal a lot of your attention as the show begins. They have been masterfully constructed and manage to encompass the whole of the hotel onto the one stage. The inclusion of the iconic Fawlty Towers reception desk, dining area, and bedroom allow action to flow and each zone to be utilised at any given moment.
Right, first things first, let us discuss the cast - the lifeblood of this production. A lot of work has gone into emulating the host of colourful characters that make up Fawlty Towers.
Adam Elliott stepped into the role of Basil on press night, and did an incredible job! He perfected the leading man's discernible exaggerated gestures, and surly vocal inflections - he captured the frantic, gazelle-like mannerisms that the fictional hotel manager is so famous for. His hysterical Cleesian clowning in turn had the audience in hysterics. His ability to keep in character as (the at times almost psychotic) Basil Fawlty, really was an impressive feat.
Mia Austin provides the perfect contrast as the controlled, exasperated, and dry-humoured Sybil. Both stars were absolutely on point with their characterisations and they perfectly recreated the on-screen chemistry that Cleese and Scales shared in the mid-to-late 70s when the show aired. The pair suck your attention in as an audience member, and you surrender yourself to their chaos and hilarity.
Hemi Yeroham as Manuel was a brilliant casting choice. Like his co-star Adam Elliott, he nailed his character's mannerisms, physicality and catchphrases. The pair when on stage together really proved themselves to be masters of the art of slapstick comedy - particularly during the scenes where they're having a little more than just a little verbal disagreement!
Paul Nicholas breathes new life into the role of the Major. He pairs a sharp suit and cool comic timing, with a slight air of swagger (that some readers may remember more amplified in his Just Good Friends character, Vince) to portray the forgetful ex-soldier. He really came to life in the second half of the production, during some of his more key scenes.
Joanne Clifton joined the cast as Fawlty Towers' overworked and sassy waitress and maid, Polly. She moved with the same grace and intention as Connie Booth did on our screens over three decades ago. Her on stage chemistry with the rest of the cohort was good, and she knew how to channel Polly's no-nonsense attitude and professionalism.
Additionally, Jemma Churchill and Greg Haiste appear as the recognisable pest guests Mrs Richards and Mr Hutchinson. The pair were loud and commanding on stage and did an excellent job of walking that fine line between irritating and hilarious that the original characters were designed to do. It was also wonderful to see Emily Winter and Dawn Buckland as Miss Tibbs and Miss Gatsby, fawning over Basil and providing familiarity to the TV series and comical additions to whichever scenes they popped up within.
There were no real 'background characters.' Everyone had their part to play and the cohesive yet chaotic energy of the cavalcade of characters was a thrill to be in the presence of. They all contributed to the overall comic genius of the production. There was some great multi-role appearances from players Greg Haiste, Neil Stewart, John Hasler and Josie Brightwell. They ensured more snapshots of the television series could be covered in the shorter amount of time available within the stage play format.
Furthermore, the costumes selected for the players do a wonderful job of suggesting each respective character without reducing anyone to looking like a disappointing carbon copy. The use of spacing was also excellent and the actors really knew how to use the expanse of the stage to not block or distract the audience from the action that was taking place. Having the different 'rooms' and zones of the hotel to enter and exit as they please really adds to the enchantment of the show.
Bright, warm and interior-style lighting choices have been made to illuminate but not detract from the actors or the action taking place on the stage. The sound choices are diegetic, and occasional blasts of the television show theme music is played in between scene changes This further helped to create more of a sense of realism, to draw the audience in and reflect the original series. The set, costume, lighting and sound designers have all worked hard to put audience members in a state of suspended disbelief. I think the intention is to make theatre-goers feel like they are sat at home enjoying this show for the first time (if they're younger and new to Fawlty Towers) or maybe again for the 50th time.
This play truly feels like a love letter to the show. Vignettes of the best gags and the accompanying catchphrases of the two series are played out, rolodex style. The scenes seamlessly blend into one another and form a new amalgamated, but still coherent, plotline. You can expect to see visits from the Germans and the hotel inspectors, come face to face with Basil's moose head, and experience slapstick silliness in abundance. As well as these big plot points, the magic of this stage play is really in some of the little details - I won't give anything more away, you'll have to attend and see for yourself.
If you're a Fawlty Towers enthusiast, I want to assure you that fan service is well and truly paid in this production. A real treat for any devotee of the original series, or anyone that would enjoy an evening of classic British comedy. Booking a ticket to attend Fawlty Towers: The Play is fun for all the family, and revives a golden age of comedy television. So why not goose-step along to the box office and bag yourself a seat for one of the next tour dates - but whatever you do, don't mention the war!
More information about Fawlty Towers: The Play can be found online here: https://fawltytowerstour.co.uk/
More information about what's on at Oxford's New Theatre can be found here: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford/whats-on/
