Fawlty Towers

Wolverhampton Grand

4 stars

“An entertaining and nostalgic place to stay”

A warm recognisable hour or so wrapped in nostalgia and familiarity. Fans of the hugely popular television sit-com Fawlty Towers have been lining up to see the stage show penned by series creator John Cleese. Indeed, I am pretty sure one or two folk could have stepped in to help with the lines if required so familiar with the text were they.

It is a superb step back in time complete with the jaunty stringed theme tune and a lovingly recreated hotel set courtesy of Liz Ascroft. It is comedy which comes close to a farce and of course we are in the confined surroundings of a small hotel, frequented by some slightly odd guests and a staffed by some brilliant comedy creations…. the recipe for fun is assured.

The scripts selected include “The Germans” “The Hotel Inspector” and of course “The view of Torquay?” Danny Bayne and Mia Austen are the hosts Basil and Sybil bubbling with high energy and fizz throughout, great timing and masters of some lovely physicality. They are more than ably assisted by Joanne Clifton as Polly and Hemi Yerdhamas the long-suffering Manuel. A mention to for Neil Stewart who crafted a jolly little cameo performance stepping in as the Major.

The cast as a whole play beautifully together and serve up a superb, warm and still welcomed plateful of classic comedy.

Book into the hotel, you won’t be disappointed.

David Robinson