REVIEW: Fawlty Towers: The Play at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Fawlty Towers: The Play,

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 4 July 2026 

In a world where TV streaming services pop out new series on a daily basis, it is amazing to believe that a show that ran for just two seasons in the 1970s can still have such a hold on the British public. And yet, Fawlty Towers still has a very special place in our hearts. More than 50 years on from the series’ initial broadcast, Basil and Sybil are entertaining audiences once more, but this time, on stage rather than on the small screen.

After a successful West End run, the play, itself written by series creator and star John Cleese, is now on tour around the UK. The play runs through John Cleese’s three favourite episodes of the show, tied together neatly in a 2 hour bundle (including interval). The script is carefully crafted to weave the episodes together in a way that feels natural, but still delivers the moments that the crowd expect, dancing neatly between visits from the hotel inspectors, the exasperating Mrs Richards and, of course, the Germans. 

With a show so beloved, how exactly does one go about stepping into the shoes of John Cleese, or late greats Prunella Scales and Andrew Sachs? Impossible, surely? And yet they do, and they do it brilliantly. Danny Bayne is exceptional at Basil, serving a masterclass in diction and comedic timing, whilst Mia Austen’s (Sybil Fawlty) shrill cries of “Basil!” brought waves of nostalgic laughter from the audience. The back and forth between Mr and Mrs Fawlty is, as always, a source of endless hilarity, and an opportunity to enjoy many of the sitcom’s greatest lines. Whilst the Fawltys may have not been laughing - at least not at the same time - their bickering certainly makes the audience laugh over and over again.

Hemi Yeroham, having originated the role on the West End, brings the beloved Manuel back to life with genuine flair. His voice perfectly captures Manuel's Catalonian musicality, and he throws himself wholeheartedly into every element of physical comedy. Jemma Churchill’s Mrs Richards is splendidly irritating, and the hearing aid conversations will bring a smile to anyone who has ever had to have that exact conversation with a family member. The entire cast were note-perfect, winding the clock back and reminding us just why the country loves Fawlty Towers so much.  

Whilst many 50 year old sitcoms would feel rusty on 21st century stages, Fawlty Towers manages to balance nostalgia, wit and sublime comedic timing to create an excellent show. For those who have seen every episode countless times, or for those who (like myself) admittedly “know nothing”, it is a wonderful piece of theatre, that somehow manages to make 50 year old jokes feel fresh. Cleese has since revealed that he is also working on a sequel, adapting several other episodes of the show, to hit stages after the conclusion of the UK tour. Having enjoyed this one so much, I’ll be booking my seat for the sequel as soon as possible.

 

Review: Hannah Daglish

Tickets:

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/fawlty-towers/