Review: Fawlty Towers, UK Tour, at the Liverpool Empire

Despite only being 12 episodes long, one of the most loved British sitcoms of all time is Fawlty Towers, written by Monty Python legend John Cleese and Connie Booth. Personally, I know a moment or two of the series, but I wouldn't call myself a fan. My boyfriend, however is. 

Cut to a week and a half ago (yes I know I'm late again), and I surprised him with tickets to Fawlty Towers: The Play. This stage adaptation began life in Australia in 2016, and then transferred to London's West End to packed audiences. 

Now, it is on its first UK tour, bringing "all your favourite moments" from the series live on stage

Fawlty Towers is a culmination of the series best moments, flowing together to create one single story. And whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is up to you and what you may be expecting. If you are wanting to watch all your favourite moments acted live before your eyes, then we're all good. However, you may be disappointed if you are expecting a brand new story with these characters, and it may perhaps be seen as the lazier approach. Especially with John Cleese coming back on board to adapt it, he would be the perfect person to create something new with these characters, as he was the one who created them in the first place. 

However, it does not detract from the fact that this is a very funny play as it is

It is just another day in Fawlty Towers; with the whispers of hotel inspectors, a winning horse, and the day in day outs of customer service. (I would say I can relate, but at the same time, I would be fired if I did even one of the things Basil did or said while working....)

And you come to see the characters that you know and love more than anyone else. Danny Bayne as Basil, the hotel owner, was so obnoxious (in the best way, cannot believe I am saying that), you really felt for his wife Sybil (played Mia Austen) just trying to keep her head screwed on. 

Joanne Clifton as waitress and housekeeper Polly was a delight (funny that I saw her winning Strictly celebrity Ore Oduba in Young Frankenstein the night before). And finally, I have to mention Hemi Yeroham as Manuel, everyone's favourite waiter from Barcelona, who was utterly hysterical. 

Whether I recommend Fawlty Towers depends on what you want from a play like this

If you're a non fan and looking for some great comedy then this could be a good pick. Same if you are a big fan and want to see the characters you know and love. The only thing is that if you're expecting something new and fresh with these characters, you may be a little disappointed; you know what's coming and you know when the laughs are going to be. But that is to your personal taste, and not for me to dictate how person a or b may feel. That is up to you all. 

The tour of Fawlty Towers The Play is continuing across the UK until next year. It's final stop will be in Dublin next Summer.