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John Cleese returns to Torquay after 50 years for 'Fawlty Towers - The Play' opening night

The town is widely known as the inspiration behind the hit sitcom

John Cleese pictured outside the theatre with cast members, he has said he's "delighted to bring Fawlty Towers to Torquay, its spiritual home."
Author: Lizzie CouttsPublished 11 hours ago
Last updated 11 hours ago

John Cleese has visited Torquay, the town which inspired his sitcom Fawlty Towers, for the first time in more than 50 years.

The comedian was at the Princess Theatre last night (April 14) for the opening night of 'Fawlty Towers -The Play.'

The show has already enjoyed a successful run in the West End and is now touring the UK and Ireland.

Cleese shared the story of how he used to come to the town to visit a friend and his real life stay in a now demolished hotel which inspired the much-loved BBC sitcom.

John Cleese pictured with Joanne Clifton, who plays Polly and Paul Nicholas as The Major.

The production features Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil, Hemi Yeroham as Manuel, Joanne Clifton as Polly, and Paul Nicholas as The Major.

Cleese has adapted the sitcom for the stage himself and the two hour play incorporates three original TV episodes: ‘The Hotel Inspector,’ ‘The Germans,’ and ‘Communication Problems,’ along with a new ending.

The show is running at the Princess Theatre until 18th April.

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