Fawlty Towers

IT'S brave director who takes on one of TV's best-loved sit coms.

It's an even braver man to set out with the intention of not creating carbon copy impersonations of the oh-so-well-known and iconic characters from BBC's Fawlty Towers.

And to then allow a reviewer in on dress rehearsal, well, my praise goes out to Paul McGowan for this production of episodes The Hotel Inspector, The Anniversary and Communication Problems by Oswaldtwisle Players, at the Civic Theatre.

The characters were all there, with very definite nods to the familiar madcap antics of Basil and Sybil's controlling manner - lynchpin roles played with finesse by John Kirby and Catherine Allan.

Joanne Haworth created a brilliant portrayal of Polly, her dry delivery and tone of voice was uncannily like the original, while Richard Quinn gave a very funny Manuel.

All four were recognisable as the TV personas an audience might expect, but clearly gave their own take on the roles matching Paul's directorial vision. No mean feat on both sides, well done.

Part of the charm of Fawlty Towers is the quick wit and speed of dialogue, and these four led well by example. The numerous cameos across the three episodes equalled their leads in this, with Lesley Jackson's formidable Mrs Richards providing some of the biggest laughs for me and Chris Knight's demanding Mr Hutchinson also standing out.

The set worked really well, and created the right ambiance for the Rivera hotel, although transitions from 'reception' to the 'corridor' and bedrooms could have been quicker. I'm sure familiarity with the performance space during the four-night run will have seen this improve. Still, congratulations to John for managing the dash and keeping on top of lines with no confusion - especially in The Anniversary. The use of the side apron and theatre floor as bedrooms and the dining room was clever.

At dress rehearsal, this was a production ready for an audience and for the lift that gives the players - especially with comedy.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.