The classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers has been adapted for the West End stage by John Cleese, who co-wrote and starred in the original TV series as Basil Fawlty. The play will open at the Apollo Theatre in London on May 15th.
The production will be a two-hour play based on three episodes of the much-loved show: ‘The Hotel Inspector’, ‘The Germans’ and ‘Communication Problems’.
Speaking about the announcement, Cleese commented: “What a thrill to be bringing Fawlty Towers to the West End for the first time - nearly 50 years since the show was first recorded, in December 1974. We’ve been involved in the casting process for some time, being constantly reminded of what a wealth of acting talent we have in Britain - sorting the very, very, very good from the merely very, very good.
"Finally, we assembled a top-class group of comedy actors who will bring the show to the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. I’ve adapted three of my favourite episodes for the stage and written one huge finale, which will bring together the endings of all three episodes. So here we are, all the way from Torquay, via the old BBC Television Centre, to the West End! I do hope some of you will come to the Apollo to laugh together. And laugh. And laugh...”
The cast will include Adam Jackson-Smith who takes in the role of Basil, Anna-Jane Casey as his sharp-tongued spouse, Sybil, Hemi Yeroham as the hapless Spanish waiter, Manuel, and Victoria Fox as Polly the Chambermaid. making up the rest of the cast will be Paul Nicholas as The Major, Steven Meo as Mr. Hutchinson/German guest, Rachel Izen as Mrs. Richards, Kate Russell-Smith as Miss Tibbs, Greg Haiste as Mr Thurston/German guest, Nicola Sanderson as Miss Gatsby, Danny Bayne as Dr Finn, Neil Stuart as Taxi Driver/Mr Kerr/Mr Firkins/Mr Sharp, and Emma Fenney as German guest. Completing the company will be Dale Superville, Ben Jacobson, Mia Austen, Suzy Bloom, and John Hasler.
Fawlty Towers was first broadcast in September 1975 and is set in a fictional hotel in the English seaside town of Torquay, where it follows the fortunes of hotel proprietor Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil as muddle through the many trials and tribulations they face as they manage the hotel.
Caroline Jay Ranger will direct the production with the rest of the creative team including Liz Ascroft (set and costume design), Ian Scott (lighting design), Denise Ranger (assistant director), Chris Kiely (resident director), and Anne Vosser (casting).
Booking & Theatre Info For Fawlty Towers The Play
The Apollo Theatre is a medium size West End theatre with a capacity of 833 seats on four levels. Excellent views are available throughout the venue, with very limited overhang coming from the higher tiers and steep rakes throughout ensuring good visibility of the stage.
Seats in the Stalls provide excellent views throughout, even towards the rear of the seating with premium seats being found in the front centre section of either the Stalls and also the Dress Circle which provide an immersive theatrical experience.
Seats in the front row of the Grand Circle are often sold at a discount in price, and although they are situated quite high up, you have a decent view of the action from an elevated position. The best seats in this section can be found one row behind in seats B15-18, as they do not feature any restriction from the lighting equipment. Seats towards the rear of the Stalls also offer a great view of the stage on a budget and are ideal for last-minute bargain hunters.