Fawlty Towers- The Play Is Coming To Birmingham Alexandra Theatre
Hold onto your hats, folks, because the UK and Ireland tour of John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play is about to hit the stage with all the subtlety of a Basil Fawlty meltdown! After a smashing West End run that had critics and audiences alike in stitches, this laugh-a-minute production is heading to The Alexandra in Birmingham from 17th to 21st March 2026. Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, it stars Danny Bayne as the ever-bumbling Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as his perpetually exasperated wife Sybil, and Hemi Yeroham returning as Manuel—the waiter who could turn serving tea into an Olympic sport.
This “as good as comedy gets” production (Sunday Times) first hit the stage in May 2024, leaving audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter. Directed by West End maestro Caroline Jay Ranger, it stars Danny Bayne as the ever-chaotic Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as his long-suffering wife Sybil, Hemi Yeroham reprising his role as Manuel (the waiter who puts ‘wait’ into waiting), Joanne Clifton as Polly, Paul Nicholas back as The Major and Jemma Churchill playing Mrs Richards. Nearly 50 years since Fawlty Towers first graced BBC Two on 19 September 1975, comedy legend John Cleese has handpicked three of his favourite episodes—’The Hotel Inspector,’ ‘The Germans,’ and ‘Communication Problems’—and transformed them into a two-hour theatrical romp with a brand-new finale.
Theatre-goers are in for a side-splitting treat! This “comedy masterpiece makes a seamless transition to the stage” (The Arts Desk), promising “an indisputably funny evening” (Daily Telegraph). From Basil’s very first entrance, audiences are already chuckling away at “some of the best punchlines ever written” (London Theatre). As Broadway World puts it: if you adored the original TV series, you’ll be head over heels for this show. John Cleese himself is chuffed about assembling such a top-notch group of comedic talent for this UK tour of Fawlty Towers – The Play. September marks not only its debut but also exactly half a century since that iconic TV episode aired on BBC. Who would’ve thought that after all these years we’d still be making theatres echo with laughter?
Joining this hilarious ensemble are other beloved characters from the original sitcom: Mr Hutchinson / Wilhelm played by Greg Haiste; Miss Tibbs played by Emily Winter; Miss Gatsby played by Dawn Buckland; Mr Thurston / Günter portrayed by John Hasler; Mr Walt brought to life by Adam Elliott; Taxi Driver/ Mr Firkins / Mr Kerr / Mr Sharp handled deftly by Neil Stewart; and Josie Brightwell doubling up as Johanna and Liz (Hotel Guest). Rounding out our merry band are Ashleigh Harvey playing Debbie (Hotel Guest), Ben Jacobson portraying Ken (Hotel Guest), Matthew Gordon taking on Mr Dale (Hotel Guest) and Raymond Rose embodying Philip (Hotel Guest).
In true farcical fashion—following whispers about potential hotel inspectors visiting—the hapless Basil tries desperately to curry favour with guests he suspects might critique their establishment… only to face further chaos courtesy of some German visitors plus Mrs Richards—the deaf yet demanding guest-from-hell whose endless complaints thwart any chance he has at concealing gambling winnings from Sybil’s watchful eye! Together they run their hotel alongside unflappable Polly—and let’s not forget Manuel—the trainee waiter from Barcelona who seems destined forevermore remain butt-of-Fawlty’s-frustration!
Set within fictional Torquay seaside digs where just twelve half-hour episodes originally aired via BBC screens—a mere dozen gems based upon real-life encounters between creator Cleese & Gleneagles Hotel owner Donald Sinclair whose rudeness inspired creation unforgettable characterisation behind beloved sitcom classic itself winning numerous accolades including two BAFTAS Best Situation Comedy before being crowned greatest British programme all-time British Film Institute poll year Y2K…
LISTING INFO
THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM
Dates: Tue 17 – Sat 21 Mar
Website: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
