John Cleese Reprises Role in 'Fawlty Towers: The Play'
London, [Date] – Comedy legend John Cleese attended the opening night of "Fawlty Towers: The Play" at The Apollo Theatre in London on Wednesday night. Cleese, 84, who originally portrayed Basil Fawlty in the BBC sitcom, graced the red carpet alongside his wife, Jennifer, 52. The couple, who have been married since 2012, showed solidarity in coordinated outfits—both sporting blazers and jeans.
The iconic series "Fawlty Towers," which aired from 1975 to 1979, followed the bumbling hotel manager Basil Fawlty, and Cleese co-wrote it with then-wife Connie Booth. The West End revival, directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, incorporates material from three episodes: "The Hotel Inspectors," "The Germans," and "Communication Problems." The stage adaptation aims to stay true to its roots while offering a fresh experience.
Joining Cleese at the event were celebrities like Penny Lancaster, Dame Arlene Phillips, Jason Manford, Leigh Francis, skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and Bill Bailey. Lancaster, 53, and wife of singer Rod Stewart, arrived with her brother Oliver, stunning in a floral black minidress.
This highly-anticipated production features Adam Jackson-Smith as Basil, Anna-Jane Casey as Sybil, Hemi Yeroham as Manuel, and Victoria Fox as Polly. Cleese’s adaptation ties the episodes together into a larger narrative, maintaining the series' hallmark comedic elements. Despite initial hesitations, Cleese admitted he took on the project partly for financial security.
"Fawlty Towers: The Play" is set to run until September 28 at The Apollo Theatre.
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