REVIEW: Have a faultless night of farce with Basil Fawlty at the Kings Theatre
Checking into Fawlty Towers at the Kings Theatre Portsmouth proved to be one of the easiest reservations of the year.
John Cleese’s legendary sitcom has successfully made the leap from screen to stage, delivering a riotous evening packed with laughter and delightful nostalgia.
Set in Torquay’s most infamous hotel, the story follows the perpetually stressed, socially awkward, and gloriously neurotic Basil Fawlty as he attempts to run a respectable establishment while battling difficult guests, language barriers, and his own spectacularly short fuse. What unfolds is two hours of quintessential British farce, packed with iconic moments.
Leading the charge is Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty. Capturing the spirit of John Cleese’s original performance is no easy task, but Bayne throws himself into the role with boundless energy, impeccable comic timing, and a physicality that perfectly recreates Basil’s famous awkward gait, explosive outbursts, and desperate attempts to maintain control. His performance never feels like an impersonation; instead, it is a loving tribute that keeps the character’s charm firmly intact.
Mia Austen is superb as Sybil Fawlty, delivering every cutting remark with precision and confidence. She perfectly balances Sybil’s sharp tongue with her underlying practicality, making her the ideal foil to Basil.
The wonderful Hemi Yeroham shines as Manuel, the long-suffering waiter from Barcelona. His performance captures all the innocence, confusion, and heart that made the character such a fan favourite. Every misunderstanding lands beautifully, earning huge laughs from the audience throughout the evening.
Joanne Clifton is equally impressive as Polly, bringing warmth, intelligence, and calm to the chaos unfolding around her.
What makes this production so successful is how faithfully it recreates the atmosphere of the beloved sitcom. From the instantly recognisable set to the rapid fire dialogue, physical comedy, and perfectly timed farcical mishaps, it genuinely feels as though a classic episode has sprung to life before your eyes. The famous walk is there.
The legendary bursts of anger are there and the charm that made Farty Towels one of Britain’s greatest sitcoms is there in abundance.
This is a show that proudly reminds audiences why Fatty Owls remains a comedy institution more than four decades after it first appeared on television.
So grab your tickets and prepare for a truly first class stay at Britain’s most chaotic hotel.
Until Saturday, June 20.