John Cleese’s 'Fawlty Towers' to return for limited West End summer run

The play features many of the beloved characters from the original 1970s TV sitcom including Basil, Sybil, Manuel, Polly and The Major.

Olivia Rook
Olivia Rook

John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play will return to the West End’s Apollo Theatre for a strictly limited three-month season this summer.

The play about a chaotic hotelier in the seaside town of Torquay will run from 24 June – 13 September, before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour until 2026.

The play opened in May 2024 and is based on Cleese's 1970s TV series, co-written with Connie Booth. Cleese took three episodes from the TV series and adapted them for the stage: "The Hotel Inspector" and "The Germans" from series one and "Communication Problems" from series two.

In a review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, our critic said: "It’s remarkable just how well the material holds up – and that’s due to the absolutely airtight scripts, with not a single word wasted, and some of the best punchlines ever written."

John Cleese said: “I’m delighted to announce the news that the Fawlty Towers stage show will be returning to the Apollo Theatre this June. It’s heart-warming that West End audiences still think Fawlty is as funny as ever.

The play features many of the beloved characters from the original TV sitcom including Basil, Sybil, Manuel, Polly and The Major.

Book Fawlty Towers tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Fawlty Towers in the West End. (Photo courtesy of production)

Frequently asked questions

What is Fawlty Towers – The Play about?

Comedy legend John Cleese brings a stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers to the West End this summer, based on the episodes “The Hotel Inspectors”, “Communication Problems”, and “ The Germans”. Basil and Sybil Fawlty are played by Adam Jackson-Smith and Anna-Jane Casey, with Hemi Yeroham as Manuel and Victoria Fox as Polly. Caroline Jay Ranger directs.

Where is Fawlty Towers – The Play located?

Apollo Theatre. The address is London, United Kingdom, W1D 7EZ.

Where is Fawlty Towers – The Play playing?

Fawlty Towers – The Play is playing at Apollo Theatre. The theatre is located at 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ.

How long is Fawlty Towers – The Play?

The running time of Fawlty Towers – The Play is 1hr 50min. Incl. 1 interval.

How do you book tickets for Fawlty Towers – The Play?

Book tickets for Fawlty Towers – The Play on London Theatre.

What's the age requirement for Fawlty Towers – The Play?

The recommended age for Fawlty Towers – The Play is All Ages. .

Who wrote Fawlty Towers?

Fawlty Towers is adapted for the stage by John Cleese, based on the original scripts by John Cleese and Connie Booth.

Who directs Fawlty Towers?

Caroline Jay Ranger directs Fawlty Towers.

Is Fawlty Towers good?

Yes: Based on one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, the stage version of Fawlty Towers is adapted by John Cleese and based on three of the most acclaimed TV episodes.

Originally published on

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