In the 80s, Paul Nicholas was considered a heartthrob with his chiseled jawline and curly blonde hair. However, more than 40 years later, he is now playing the role of a bumbling old Major in John Cleese’s stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers. Nicholas reflects on reaching a stage in his life where such roles are more suitable for him, similar to other recent characters he has played, such as Colonel Pickering. John Cleese revealed that he came up with the concept for Fawlty Towers with his then-wife, Connie Booth, in just twenty minutes during a lunch meeting with a BBC director and producer.
The West End stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers is set to have its first run soon, with Cleese stating that he believes the stage show is even better than the original television series. Fawlty Towers was inspired by a real-life hotel owner, Donald Sinclair, known for his incredibly rude behavior. The series, consisting of 12 episodes, is based on Cleese and Booth’s experiences at a hotel in Torquay, where they encountered Sinclair and found his behavior fascinating. Cleese and Booth co-wrote and starred in the series, with Booth portraying the chambermaid Polly Sherman.
Cleese explains that he and Booth decided to set the show in a hotel after staying at a hotel in Torquay while shooting for Monty Python. The BBC quickly approved of their concept, allowing them to move forward with their idea. Reflecting on the show’s creation, Cleese recalls how the BBC operated differently at the time, with less bureaucracy hindering the creative process. Despite divorcing before the second series aired, Cleese and Booth’s collaboration on Fawlty Towers remains a significant milestone in their careers and in British television history.
The cast of the stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers closely resembles the original actors, capturing the essence of the beloved characters from the hit BBC sitcom. The new play, written by Cleese and Booth, features Adam Jackson-Smith as Basil Fawlty and Victoria Fox as Polly Sherman, among other talented cast members. Cleese expresses his excitement for the stage show and how it has evolved from the television series, providing a new and enhanced experience for audiences. The original Fawlty Towers cast has left a lasting impact on television, and the stage adaptation aims to continue this legacy while offering a fresh perspective on the beloved characters.
As the West End revival of Fawlty Towers approaches its debut, the anticipation for the stage adaptation grows. Cleese, who remains actively involved in promoting the show, believes that the stage version surpasses the original television series in quality. While some speculate about a potential appearance by Connie Booth at the revival, she prefers to keep a low profile and stay out of the limelight. Despite their divorce, Cleese and Booth’s collaboration on Fawlty Towers continues to be celebrated, showcasing their creative genius and comedic brilliance. The upcoming stage adaptation promises to delight fans of the original series while introducing a new generation to the timeless humor of Fawlty Towers.
