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John Cleese returns to the home of Fawlty Towers

John with the touring cast of Fawlty Towers the Play / Image: Princess Theatre Torquay

Basil’s back, but tash-free! 

After more than half a century, comedy legend John Cleese has returned to the home of Fawlty Towers.

The Monty Python star made a flying visit to Torquay this week to celebrate the opening of Fawlty Towers – The Play at the Princess Theatre. The stage adaptation arrives in Devon as part of a major UK tour, following a record-breaking, sell-out run in London’s West End.

The production brings the story full circle to the town that sparked the idea for one of Britain's most loved sitcoms more than 50 years ago.

Adapted by Cleese himself, the two-hour masterpiece weaves together three classic TV episodes and introduces a new ending for fans new and old.

Whilst taking photos with the cast playing his celebrated characters, John said: "I am delighted to bring Fawlty Towers to Torquay, its spiritual home.”

Before the Torquay premiere, John Cleese thanked the audience and snapped a photo with them. He reminisced about visiting the town in 1950s, specifically recalling a memory of Torquay United losing 7-0 to Birmingham City in the FA Cup.

The show plays the Princess Theatre, Torquay, for a few more days until Saturday 18 April. 

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