John Cleese returns to Torquay after 50 years for Fawlty Towers opening night

Comedy legend John Cleese has returned to Torquay for the first time in more than 50 years, as Fawlty Towers – The Play opens in the town that inspired the iconic series.

Speaking ahead of opening night at the Princess Theatre, Cleese described the moment as “iconic” - but remained characteristically self-effacing about the reaction from fans.

“It’s so iconic to be back here,” he said. “But I don’t know why people are excited about me.”

The stage adaptation, based on three classic episodes of the original sitcom, has already enjoyed two sold-out West End runs and is now touring the UK and Ireland, with Torquay widely seen as its most meaningful stop.

For the cast, arriving in the English Riviera has been a highlight of the tour.

Danny Bayne, who plays Basil Fawlty, said: “In all honesty, I think the whole company has just been excited about coming to Torquay, because obviously this is the home of Fawlty Towers.”

Danny, stepping into one of British comedy’s most recognisable roles, revealed that Cleese encouraged him to make the character his own.

“He didn’t put any pressure on me to be a copy or a mimic,” he said. “It was more just find your way with it.”

He added that performing the show live brings an extra layer of unpredictability. “Things go wrong all the time, the other day the door came off the hinges, but it actually keeps things fresh.”

Meanwhile, Mia Austen, who plays Sybil Fawlty, described performing in Torquay as a surreal, full-circle moment.

“It feels like it’s been leading up to this,” she said. “We’re doing Fawlty Towers and we’re in Torquay, it’s a pinch me moment.”

Visiting the town for the first time, Mia said the setting had deepened her understanding of the show.

“When you come here and see the seafront, you realise this is what people were coming for, it brings it all to life,” she said.

The original series was famously inspired by Cleese’s stay at a Torquay hotel run by the notoriously difficult Donald Sinclair- the basis for Basil Fawlty. Despite running for just 12 episodes, the show remains one of Britain’s most celebrated comedies.

Now, half a century on, its return to the town where it all began has struck a chord with both audiences and performers.

“In the times we’re living in, it’s two hours of fun and escapism,” David said. “You put everyone in a room laughing together, you can’t think of anything better.”

With a packed audience expected for opening night, Torquay once again finds itself at the centre of one of British comedy’s most enduring stories.