Fawlty Towers makes a double reservation with the North East
Comedy fans in the North East are in for a treat as the hit stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers heads to the region in 2026, with two major stops on its UK and Ireland tour.
Following a sold-out West End run, Fawlty Towers – The Play, adapted by original co-creator John Cleese, will check in at Sunderland Empire from February 3 to 7, before heading to Newcastle Theatre Royal from June 30 to July 4.
Based on three classic episodes of the legendary BBC sitcom, the two-hour production features a new finale and promises an evening of chaos, slapstick, and some of the most iconic punchlines in British comedy history.
The play is directed by Caroline Jay Ranger and stars Danny Bayne as the ever-flustered Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil, Joanne Clifton as Polly, and Hemi Yeroham reprising his West End role as the hapless waiter Manuel. Paul Nicholas and Jemma Churchill round out the cast as The Major and Mrs Richards.
The plot sees Basil in panic mode after hearing hotel inspectors may be visiting, leading to a frantic and farcical attempt to impress. Add in a party of Germans, an impossible guest, a secret gambling win, and Manuel’s well-meaning chaos—and it’s vintage Fawlty Towers madness.
John Cleese said: “I never thought that all these years later the stage show would get the reception that it has. But here we are, still making theatres rock with laughter.”
The original Fawlty Towers first aired in 1975 and has since earned its place as one of the most beloved British comedies of all time.
Tickets are on sale now from Sunderland Empire and Newcastle Theatre Royal box offices and websites.