Fawlty Towers The Play is Coming to York

Fawlty Towers – The Play is heading to the Grand Opera House York from 19–23 May 2026, and casting has now been confirmed for the stage production of this much-loved British comedy.

Following a successful West End run and a three-month summer season, the play will tour the UK and Ireland through to July 2026. Now, Yorkshire audiences can look forward to “the funniest show in town” (Daily Express) live on stage, with all the chaos, characters and catchphrases that made the original TV series a national treasure.

“An indisputably funny evening”

The York performances will see Danny Bayne step into the shoes of Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil, Hemi Yeroham reprising his role as Manuel, and Joanne Clifton as Polly. Paul Nicholas returns as The Major, joined by Jemma Churchill as Mrs Richards and a full ensemble cast bringing the mayhem to life.

Comedy legend John Cleese, who adapted the play from three of his favourite episodes – ‘The Hotel Inspector’, ‘The Germans’ and ‘Communication Problems’ – said: “I’m thrilled with the top-class group of comedy actors that we’ve assembled for the UK tour. I never thought that all these years later the stage show would get the reception that it has. But here we are, still making theatres rock with laughter.”

Iconic sitcom moments brought to life

Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, this two-hour stage adaptation features classic Fawlty Towers moments as Basil tries to impress hotel inspectors, fend off the chaos of a visiting German party, and deal with the demanding Mrs Richards – all while juggling Manuel’s blunders and Sybil’s iron will.

It’s a love letter to the original show, which was first broadcast on BBC Two in 1975 and has since been crowned “the greatest British sitcom of all time” (Radio Times).

York dates and ticket information

The Grand Opera House York will host performances from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May 2026. Evening shows begin at 7:30pm, with matinees at 2:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets are on sale now, available here

Image: Trevor Leighton