Fawlty Towers

This production was a selection of three episodes from the 70’s classic; A Touch of Class, Communication Problems and The Hotel Inspectors and the interpretation from Encore! was excellent. Without impersonating the original actors the cast brought life to each of their characters in such a way that we were transformed back to sitting in front of the TV, equally laughing out loud and getting frustrated with the actions of Basil Fawlty. Graham Buchanan gave a superb performance as Basil, not only with the sheer amount of dialogue but also with the physicality he brought to the character. Claire Farrand-Preston played Sybil with all the wit and charm of the original (Prunella Scales), shouting ‘Basil’ across the stage in such a way as to be calling him and putting him in his place at the same time.

Zoe Stebbings continued the standard with a very likeable Polly, helping to organise everything and somewhat adding to the confusion. The fourth member of this team was Adam Guest as Manuel. Adam’s accent and timing were excellent and his involvement gradually built until the final act and his deserved applause following the line ‘I know nothing!’

This production didn’t lack anything and the support given by all the other actors in each ‘episode’ couldn’t have been better, including Miss Tibbs and Miss Gatsby (Angela Walters and Jenny Carty) who were so amusing, pouncing on an unwanted Spanish omelette and filling their little sandwich bags and carrying around several missing toilet rolls in their handbags. Ross Lowe was a delight as Mr Hutchinson, with a lovely accent that reminded me at times of a character from ‘The League of Gentlemen.’ Martin Briggs (Lord Melbury) added to the confusion in the opening episode encouraging Basil to cash him a cheque whilst looking after his ‘valuables’ and Sandy Lane as Mrs Richards, the deaf lady who wouldn’t put her hearing aid on as it ran down the batteries were excellent in their portrayals.

The set was well designed by Terry Stevenson (who also played the Mayor) and spread right across the stage making excellent use of the space in front of the pass doors, with the bar area at one end and the restaurant at the other leaving the reception area central. Costume and props added to the overall effect. Ollie and Milly pulled out every little subtlety of each character giving us a very enjoyable evening at the theatre. Congratulations to everyone at Encore!

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