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Adapted for stage by John Cleese himself, the production of Faulty Towers – The Play at Opera House Manchester features an array of the original’s best moments, performed by a fervently passionate and convincing cast.
While not driven by a straightforward plot per se, Cleese has found a way to cleverly create a coherent show without conceding any of the hilarity of the original.
Basil Fawlty is played by Danny Bayne, whose tense and animated performance perfectly captures and conveys Fawlty’s raw disdain for his hotel guests, and is an absolute delight to watch on stage.
Cleese’s iconic physical comedy
His tall frame and jerky movements perfectly capture the movements and style of Cleese’s iconic physical comedy and lend a necessary charm and wit to every scene.
The talent of the supporting cast means that the distinct characters of each of the ensemble are played to perfection, with some, like Hemi Yeroham’s portrayal of Manuel, feeling almost indistinguishable from the original.
My main concern going into this was how they were going to condense two seasons’ worth of comic material into a couple of hours.
To my surprise, however, this was easily one of the most impressive elements of the entire production as memorable scenes are interwoven in an uninterrupted and seamless flow, without ever losing track or interrupting the manic chaos that takes centre stage.
Practical and visually admirable set design
The set design is both practical and visually admirable, capturing both the spirit and the visuals of the titular hotel impeccably for such a comparatively small and awkward environment.
The full use of the space is utilised, and there is always something to look at that will keep you entertained.
While the undeniable talent of the cast means that a zealous and enthralling effervescence is breathed into the body of the show (regardless of your familiarity with the source material) it is clear that a lot of the laughter in the crowd was contingent on the fond memories of the humour and nostalgia for the original.
The mere mention of “The Germans” in passing dialogue brought a laugh – it’s moments like this, where, for someone unfamiliar with the original, the easily-humoured energy of the crowd may seem unmatched and overenthusiastically esoteric for what is actually taking place on stage.
Testament to the comedic value and wit of the original
From what I could tell, the vast majority of the dialogue was word-for-word from the show, which, while a testament to the comedic value and farcical wit of the original, doesn’t speak much in the way of originality.
This is to the play’s credit in many ways, as it is clearly seeking to preserve just what made the TV version so popular, and why stray away from what is already proven to be very humorous? However, for someone seeking something new, you’re unlikely to find that here: a contemporary production reciting moments from a 50-year-old BBC Two show is inherently unlikely to surprise or challenge.
Ultimately, for the uninitiated, it’s unlikely you’ll fully appreciate both the comedy and the production’s rigid perseverance in retelling these humorous scenes, so maybe skip this one out if you’re not already a fan of the series.
That said, this stage production of Fawlty Towers is thoroughly entertaining, providing a new medium in which to enjoy and appreciate a range of the show’s most hilarious moments.
For those who have a fond remembrance of the show, there is plenty of value to be extracted and serious laughs to be had.
Get your tickets
Fawlty Towers – The Play is running until the 8th of November at the Opera House, Manchester.
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