Written by John Cleese
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger
Review by Eloise Robertson
Fawlty Towers: The Play follows storylines from the beloved 1970s sitcom of the same name. It will charm any farce lover or Fawlty fanatic. It does what it says on the tin, and it does it very well. The performances and set complement each other to entirely immerse you in 70s Torquay and the nostalgic chaos of the Fawlty’s failing hotel. For accuracy to the original show, it is undoubtedly stellar, but it felt rather lacklustre in its creative vision – providing only an accurate mimicry of the same old sketches, costumes, and performances. On the bright side, if you really love those (or have never seen them), it’s a treat!
Entering the venue, one is immediately taken in by the set. Abandoning the traditional curtain seems an ode to Liz Ascroft’s playful commitment to the original design, using boxy rooms stacked beside and on top of one another, creating the feeling you’re at a TV live recording. Equally, it provides avid fans an opportunity to have a pre-show chuckle, pointing out specific set pieces which remind them of their favourite sketches.
Ian Scott’s lighting design successfully complemented this set by switching between the rooms where action was focused, and setting the time of day with lighting above the on-stage “hotel”. The bedroom stacked above the downstairs provided a nice extra layer, though it would have added well to the chaotic feel to have both areas lit and bustling at once. The decision to occasionally contain action and movement to single rooms contributed to dips in the pace.
Even in these slower moments, however, the comedy was undoubtedly strong. Director Caroline Jay Ranger deserves praise for recreating the dynamics between the central four – Basil, Sybil, Polly, and Manuel – so accurately. Danny Bayne – who plays Basil Fawlty – deserves particular credit for his stellar physical comedy, filling John Cleese’s shoes with commitment and clear reverence. He earned absolutely every laugh the script offered up. Sybil – played by Mia Austen – provided an uncanny impersonation from voice to laugh to costume (designed also by Ascroft). Manuel and Polly, played by Hemi Yeroham and Joanne Clifton respectively, adopted the mannerisms of their characters with similar ease.
At times, the impressions were slightly exaggerated, but this was a benefit – allowing the giggles to reach further across the audience. Greg Haiste’s Mr Harrington, too, deserves a shoutout for his committed and hilarious characterisation. Altogether, these performances earned the show a steady stream of laughter, which picked up particular pace in the second half when everyone’s favourite sketches began to overlap in wonderful chaos. Seeing how well the writing and performances handled this pace did make it seem rather a shame we hadn’t enjoyed the same snappy wit throughout, with the first half taking rather too long to pick up.
As with any re-imagining of a beloved franchise, the first concern is who the ideal audience is. This play, despite largely being advertised to the latter, is for any Fawlty Towers novice or complete fanatic. Those watching for the first time will delight to be brought into the Fawlty’s mad world; to them, it would be as any other great farce – albeit with a slightly jumbled plotline. Those familiar with the jokes, though less dedicated to the characters, might find it slightly trying due to the decision by writer, John Cleese, to re-use the same skits and jokes from the original show.
Yet, for the mega-fans who filled the audience – like the gentleman behind me who remembered, vocally, every punchline before it hit – this dedication to the original script was a dream. It appeared to exactly scratch the itch these fans wanted; to see their favourite characters playing out their favourite jokes with perfect imitation. It was for this absolute commitment to the original show that the play won its standing ovation. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a new farce, or if you were hooked the moment Fawlty Towers was mentioned, you’d have a jolly old evening!
A Jolly Ol’ Evening
Fawlty Towers: The Play runs at The Playhouse, Edinburgh until January 31st
Running time: One hour and fifty minutes with one interval
Review by Eloise Robertson (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Eloise is studying her fourth year of a Philosophy degree at University of Edinburgh, but she spends far too much time costuming student shows and writing opinion pieces for The Student. Since returning from her year abroad in Australia, she’s worked Bedlam Fringe and thrown herself back into Footlights and EUSOG by costuming both their main term shows. At the same time, she’s increasingly found her true passion in writing, and will begin her Master’s in International/Human Rights Journalism next September.
Eloise is a lover of all things camp and comedic, so she’s super excited to review stand-up, clowning, drag, musical theatre, and much more! At the same time, she’s a literature nerd who loves to see a reimagining of a traditional, emotive piece; whether it’s a one man Vanya or unicycling Bottom.
