NEWS TICKER
Cast Announced for West End Return of Fawlty Towers – The Play
Published on
June 10, 2025
By
Julia Jordan
Danny Bayne, Helen Lederer, Paul Nicholas and Joanne Clifton Join Summer Season at Apollo Theatre
Producers have confirmed the full cast for the West End return of Fawlty Towers – The Play, adapted by John Cleese from the legendary BBC sitcom. Following its acclaimed debut in May 2024, the production will play a strictly limited season at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue from 24 June to 13 September 2025.
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, the play brings three classic episodes of the original television series—“The Hotel Inspector,” “The Germans,” and “Communication Problems”—to the stage, marking the 50th anniversary of the show’s first broadcast in 1975.
Casting Highlights
Danny Bayne (winner of ITV’s Grease Is the Word) stars as the irascible hotel owner Basil Fawlty
Helen Lederer (Absolutely Fabulous) joins as the notoriously difficult guest Mrs Richards
Paul Nicholas reprises his role as The Major
Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing, The Addams Family) plays Polly
Mia Austen as Sybil Fawlty
Hemi Yeroham reprises his role as Manuel, the hapless waiter
Additional cast members include Greg Haiste (Mr Hutchinson / Wilhelm), Emily Winter (Miss Tibbs), Dawn Buckland (Miss Gatsby), John Hasler (Mr Thurston / Günter), Adam Elliott (Mr Walt), Neil Stewart (multiple roles), and a host of supporting performers portraying hotel guests and staff.
A Comedy Classic Returns
Set in a fictional Torquay hotel and based on the famously rude hotelier who inspired the character of Basil Fawlty, the original Fawlty Towers ran for just 12 episodes but remains one of the most beloved British sitcoms of all time. The stage version draws on Cleese’s original scripts and timeless comedic setups to deliver a faithful yet fresh theatrical experience.
John Cleese commented:
“I’m thrilled with the top-class group of comedy actors that we've assembled for Fawlty Towers' return to the West End. September marks exactly 50 years since the first ever episode was broadcast on the BBC and here we are, still making theatres rock with laughter.”
Creative Team
Writers: John Cleese & Connie Booth
Stage Adaptation: John Cleese
Director: Caroline Jay Ranger
Set & Costume Design: Liz Ascroft
Lighting Design: Ian Scott
Casting Director: Anne Vosser
Assistant Director: Denise Ranger
Performance and Ticket Information
Venue: Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1
Dates: 24 June – 13 September 2025
Performance Schedule:
Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30pm
Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday matinees at 2:30pm
National Tour to Follow
Following the West End summer season, the production will embark on a major UK tour from 30 September 2025 to 8 August 2026, bringing this quintessentially British comedy to audiences nationwide.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor to the mayhem of Torquay's most infamous hotel, Fawlty Towers – The Play promises a riotously funny night at the theatre. Early booking is advised.
© BRITISHTHEATRE.COM 1999-2024 All Rights Reserved.
The BritishTheatre.com website was created to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to provide the latest UK theatre news, West End reviews, and insights into both regional theatre and London theatre tickets, ensuring enthusiasts can stay up to date with everything from the biggest West End musicals to cutting-edge fringe theatre. We are passionate about encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all their forms.
The spirit of theatre is alive and thriving, and BritishTheatre.com is at the forefront of delivering timely, authoritative news and information to theatre lovers. Our dedicated team of theatre journalists and critics works tirelessly to cover every production and event, making it easy for you to access the latest reviews and book London theatre tickets for must-see shows.