Fawlty Towers - The Play

All photos by Hugo Glendinning

Review by Martine Silkstone

It was my first time back at Ipswich Regent last night and it was a joy on many levels.

First and foremost, ‘Fawlty Towers the Play’ is a lovely, nostalgic, funny treat for long-time fans of the show and newcomers alike.

If this adaptation is your first experience of the classic BBC sitcom, then it is a wonderful introduction to the humour of its writer, the comedy legend, John Cleese.

And if you love ‘Fawlty Towers the TV show’, then you’ll definitely love ‘Fawlty Towers - The Play’. Because ‘Fawlty Towers - The Play’ IS ‘Fawlty Towers the TV show’ in every way that counts.

By which I mean that they have absolutely nailed the set, the casting and the script. Indeed, it is everything a fan of the original would want it to be, just with the added excitement and energy of a live performance.

We open with the well-known music and a burst of Sybil’s distinctive laughter – and we’re immediately transported to that famous hotel in Torquay.

Then, it’s time to sit back and enjoy.

Of course, you need a strong ‘Basil’ to make it work, and Danny Bayne is spot on; the voice, the physicality, the timing – all marvellous. Meanwhile, Mia Austin has mastered Sybil’s laugh and walk (Prunella Scales would be proud), Joanne Clifton sounds exactly like the Polly we know and love, Hemi Yeroham gives a great Manuel while adding his own flair, and I absolutely love Paul Nicholas as The Major. In fact, the whole cast are brilliant. As I have already said - it is just like watching the TV show. And I repeat that because I am still astonished at how they have managed to replicate it all.

They have even included fan-favourite storylines from the TV episodes including ‘The Germans’, ‘Communication Problems’ and ‘The Hotel Inspectors’, and there is even a brief glimpse of Basil the Rat.

Finally, it all comes together (or falls apart) during a rather stressful fire alarm test.

I love how they keep the set - or hotel - bustling with people, even as the action is taking place, as it lends a fitting frenetic energy to proceedings. The use of the stage as a whole was wonderfully choreographed and the occasional use of incidental music added breathing room to it all and kept the performance just the right side of chaotic.

If I had one query it is that I’m not sure they had got the sound right on opening night. It seemed a bit ‘tinny’ and ‘harsh’ at times, especially when Basil was yelling at someone! That said, my review buddy for the show didn’t notice anything so perhaps it was just me. And if there was an issue, I have no doubt that it will have been sorted already.

Yes, this is a great, light-hearted, funny, family night out.

And in addition to a lovely show, it was a joy to finally see the wonderful refurbishment work that has taken place at the Regent. So beautifully designed - stylish and elegant - but more than that, it has also improved upon the whole visitor experience. Well-staffed, large bar areas, places to sit with a drink, and, most excitingly, there was NO QUEUE FOR THE LADIES in the interval. Well, not in the Circle anyway. Straight in! No, really! And they had paper towels, so I didn’t have to stand at a dryer for 20 minutes then leave with wet hands anyway (that’s not just me, right?).

Can’t wait to go again (to the theatre, that is, not the loo).

Fawlty Towers - The Play is at Ipswich Regent Theatre until 14 March 2026.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE