Kings Theatre, Portsmouth – until Saturday 20th June 2026
Reviewed by Sally Lumley
4****
Classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers has made the leap from screen to stage and to the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth. Based on the original scripts by John Cleese and Connie Booth, and adapted by Cleese himself, the production skillfully combines three of the original episodes into one fast-paced evening of chaos, misunderstandings and laugh-out-loud comedy.
Danny Bayne is superb as Basil Fawlty, perfectly capturing his exasperation, pomposity and increasingly desperate attempts to maintain control as the chaos escalates. Bayne has Basil’s mannerisms down to a tee, nailing the slapstick and the ‘german’ walk, yet still makes the role very much his own. Despite Basil’s many flaws, I couldn’t help but be on his side as everything around him descended into complete mayhem.
Mia Austen is fabulous as Sybil, proving the perfect foil for Basil’s escalating chaos. With terse delivery and an instantly recognisable cackle, she captures everything I remembered about the original character.
As in the original TV show, some of the best moments are delivered by the supporting cast. Hemi Yeroham is hilarious as the hapless Manuel, bringing charm and incredible comic timing to the role. Joanne Clifton is the calm in the storm as Polly, keeping an incredibly straight face while surrounded by pandemonium. Paul Nicholas also shines as the Major, earning some of the night’s biggest laughs.
Liz Ascroft’s clever set design instantly transports the audience to 1970s Torquay. It feels like we can see the whole hotel on stage, giving the actors the space to recreate so many of the classic scenes without the need for scene changes, and allowing the comedy to flow.
This stage adaptation brings a fresh look to the classic comedy of Fawlty Towers while remaining just as hilarious as ever. Packed with chaotic laughs, brilliant performances and plenty of nostalgia this is a production that will delight fans while introducing a new generation to one of Britain’s greatest sitcoms.