Fawlty Towers adaptation is fun but source material is hard to beat.
It’s now more than 50 years since Fawlty Towers, written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, first aired on TV. That episode was entitled A Touch of Class, prescient for a series that would become recognised as a classic among sitcoms.
Consequently, Fawlty Towers The Play comes with high expectations. Adapted for the stage by Cleese himself, it’s a ‘bingo card’ of the series’ best bits with all its landmark moments accounted for; from the fire drill and hotel inspector’s visit to Mrs Richards with her temperamental hearing aid and the arrival of a party of German guests, they’re all there, and more. Indeed, it’s the first throw away mention of the Germans that sends an audible ripple of nervous expectation through the audience.
Running at Edinburgh Playhouse until 31 January
