John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers
Newcastle Theatre Royal
30th June 2026
It is only a few months since I last saw this production on tour but I jumped at the chance to see it again because it is a superb night out. Not only is it superbly written but the set is very clever and instantly recognisable as the Torquay Hotel. It is also exquisitely performed by every single actor who have some incredibly big boots to fill.
The stage is set even before the action starts with some carefully chosen music which plays modern songs in a style reminiscent of lift music. It is these small attentions to detail that are littered throughout the production and bring a smile to the face. The pre-show announcement is provided by none other than John Cleese himself who tells the audience that mobile phones should be switched off and the use cameras and photographic equipment is not allowed. There is something very comforting about hearing the great man himself before he hands over to the new Basil Fawlty.
The opening of this production is very clever indeed. It is almost a ballet of introductions to most of the main characters against the familiar theme tune (Dennis Wilson) which underscores it beautifully. This is an understated directorial technique (Caroline Jay Ranger) and works incredibly well considering the chaos that everyone knows will ensue. There is a serenity to it which acts very much as the calm before the storm. As soon as this gentle prologue concludes it is replaced by the unmistakeable shrill laugh of Sybil Fawlty talking on the phone. The audience welcome this warmly with instant recognition of the dulcet tones of the late Prunella Scales and what we see before us could well be the lady herself apart from the obvious issue of Ms Scales no longer being with us. This unenviable task falls to Mia Austen and she is absolutely perfect in the role from her voice, to her mannerisms, and her look. Much praise has to go to the costume designer (Liz Ashcroft) who was also responsible for the evocative set design.
If Ms Austen had big fluffy slippers to fill then the boots Danny Bayne has to fill are arguably much bigger as he takes on the role of the irascible hotel owner and manager Basil Fawlty. He more than fills them. Bayne’s Fawlty is a loving interpretation with some recognisable linguistic phrases, outstanding physical acting and his interactions with his wife are sublimely reflective of the original characters. I venture to add that he has with some skill, managed to add his own interpretation to the part which is also very enjoyable.
Co-writer of the original series Connie Booth’s character, Polly, is skilfully brought back to life by the very talented Joanne Clifton showing her versatility both as an actor and a believable foil for Basil Fawlty’s mishaps.
I said that the boots Bayne had to fill were big, Hemi Yeroham had to fill those of Andrew Sachs as the Barcelona born and hapless waiter, bellboy and general dogsbody Manuel. I doff my cap to Yeroham – he is delightfully innocent, useless, loveable, and his comic timing is outstanding throughout this production. The scene where is he largely unseen as the Major mistakenly thinks that a decapitated moose head is talking is absolute class and had the audience in fits of laughter – and rightly so.
Speaking of the Major, I am clearly not destined to see musical theatre legend Paul Nicholas take on this role as both times I have seen this production he has been understudied by Neil Stewart. Stewart is superb as the senile old serviceman and drives one of the storylines wonderfully, much to the annoyance of an increasingly irate Basil.
The cast is awash with acting talent and Jemma Churchill puts in a superb performance as hard of hearing fierce old bat, Mrs Richards, Emily Winter and Dawn Buckland are adorable as the familiar old biddies who believe that Mr Fawlty can do no wrong and an honourable mention to John Hasler as a particularly bemused German guest.
I have mentioned the opening of the show and the attention to detail of the set. There are also some superb directorial choices from Ranger where she dots guests just on the edge of the acting area which adds to the natural feel of a working hotel and allows for some quick entrances and exits where the story demands it. Very clever!
This is a trip down memory lane for many of the patrons who go to see it and one of the highlights for me as an audience member is noting the murmurs of recognition, the shrieks of laughter, and the anticipation as certain well known elements are signposted in the very cleverly adapted for stage script. Even on the second viewing it was a joy from beginning to end and I would have absolutely no qualms whatsoever seeing it for a third time – it is that much fun.
Get your tickets now to check into the worst hotel on the English south coast just do not not expect a sea view or herds of majestic wildebeest from your bedroom window.