Fawlty Towers in Birmingham | March 2026

The greatest British sitcom of all time arrives at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre for one hilarious week, 17-21 March 2026. Fresh from two sold-out West End seasons earning universal five-star reviews, Fawlty Towers – The Play brings Basil Fawlty’s legendary chaos to Birmingham with an 18-strong cast recreating all your favourite moments from the iconic BBC series.

Adapted by comedy legend John Cleese and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, this laugh-out-loud theatrical production combines three classic episodes into one masterpiece that’s been hailed as “the funniest show in town” by the Daily Express and “fawltless” by the Mail on Sunday.

Fawlty Towers Birmingham: Performance Schedule

What is Fawlty Towers – The Play?

Nearly 50 years after Fawlty Towers revolutionized British television comedy, John Cleese has brought his legendary creation to the stage. The theatrical adaptation combines three of the most beloved episodes into one continuous two-hour comedic tour de force.

The Three Classic Episodes

The Hotel Inspectors: When Basil gets a tip-off that hotel inspectors are visiting, he launches into obsequious overdrive with guests he suspects are undercover critics. His desperate attempts to impress the wrong people while being rude to everyone else create escalating hilarity.

The Germans: After suffering a concussion during a fire drill, Basil is told not to mention the war to German guests. His increasingly frantic efforts to avoid the topic lead to one of British comedy’s most memorable and cringe-inducing sequences.

Communication Problems: The formidable deaf guest Mrs. Richards descends on Fawlty Towers, making everyone’s life miserable. Meanwhile, Basil tries to hide his gambling winnings from the watchful Sybil, leading to farcical complications involving hidden money and mounting lies.

Plus a brand-new finale written by John Cleese specifically for the stage version, bringing the theatrical experience to a satisfying conclusion.

The Cast: British Comedy at Its Finest

Danny Bayne takes on the iconic role of Basil Fawlty, capturing John Cleese’s manic energy and exquisite comic timing. He’s joined by Mia Austen as the sharp-tongued Sybil, Hemi Yeroham as the hapless Spanish waiter Manuel (“I know nothing!”), Joanne Clifton as the resourceful waitress Polly, Paul Nicholas as the permanently befuddled Major, and Jemma Churchill as the formidable Mrs. Richards.

With an 18-strong cast bringing every character and moment to life, this is British comedy performed by some of the UK’s finest theatrical talent.

The Legend of Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers first aired on BBC Two in 1975 and ran for just twelve episodes across two series (1975 and 1979), yet it achieved legendary status. Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, the show follows the catastrophic misadventures of Basil Fawlty as he attempts to run a hotel in Torquay while dealing with demanding guests, incompetent staff, and his own explosive temperament.

The character was inspired by Donald Sinclair, a real hotel owner whose spectacular rudeness fascinated Cleese during a Monty Python filming stay in Torquay. The show won multiple BAFTAs and in 2000 was voted the best British programme of all time by the British Film Institute. In 2019, Radio Times named it the greatest British sitcom ever.

The Alexandra Theatre Birmingham: Venue Guide

The Alexandra Theatre, located in Birmingham’s city centre near New Street Station, is one of the UK’s premier touring venues. This beautiful 1,300-seat theatre has hosted the finest West End productions for over 120 years, making it the perfect home for Fawlty Towers’ theatrical chaos.

Getting to The Alexandra Theatre

Address: The Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DS

By Train: Birmingham New Street Station is literally next door – just a 2-minute walk. Exit the station onto Station Street and the theatre is immediately on your right. Perfect for visitors from across the Midlands and beyond with direct trains from London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, and throughout the region.

By Tram: The theatre is easily accessible via West Midlands Metro. Alight at Grand Central (New Street) and walk 2 minutes.

By Bus: Excellent bus connections to Birmingham city centre from across the West Midlands. The theatre is a short walk from multiple bus stops on Navigation Street and Suffolk Street.

By Car: The theatre has no dedicated parking, but several car parks are nearby:

• Arcadian Car Park: Hurst Street, 5-minute walk, ~£8 evening parking
• Park Central: Hill Street, 5-minute walk
• Bullring Car Park: 10-minute walk, large multi-storey
• Grand Central Car Park: New Street, 2-minute walk (premium pricing)

Book parking online in advance for better rates. Evening parking typically £6-12 depending on location.

Pre-Theatre Dining in Birmingham

Birmingham city centre offers exceptional dining within walking distance of The Alexandra. From fine dining to casual favourites, you’re spoiled for choice.

Right by the Theatre (2-5 minute walk):

• Tapas Revolution: Spanish small plates at Grand Central
• Carluccio’s: Italian classics at Grand Central
• Zizzi Birmingham: Italian favourites near the theatre
• The Lost & Found: Eclectic menu in quirky surroundings
• The Old Joint Stock: Historic pub with excellent food

Birmingham City Centre (5-10 minute walk):

• Purnell’s Bistro: Michelin-starred chef’s relaxed venue
• Bank Birmingham: Stunning banking hall conversion
• Miller & Carter: Quality steakhouse
• Turtle Bay: Caribbean cuisine on Hurst Street
• Wagamama: Asian dishes throughout the city centre
• Bills Birmingham: All-day dining at The Mailbox

Book restaurants in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday performances when Birmingham is busiest. Aim to finish dining by 6:45pm for 7:30pm shows to allow comfortable time to reach the theatre and find seats.

Seating at The Alexandra

The Alexandra Theatre offers excellent sightlines throughout its intimate 1,300-seat auditorium. The traditional theatre layout ensures clear views from all areas.

Best Seats for Comedy:

• Stalls (Orchestra Level): Centre stalls rows F-P provide the best views of physical comedy and facial expressions. You’ll catch every nuance of the farce from here.
• Dress Circle: Front rows offer superb elevated views of the full stage. Excellent for appreciating entrances, exits, and the choreography of the chaos.
• Upper Circle: Centre seats offer good value with clear views, ideal for families or groups on a budget.

For comedy like Fawlty Towers, being closer enhances the experience – you won’t miss a single facial twitch or perfectly-timed physical gag.

Accessibility

The Alexandra Theatre is fully accessible with wheelchair spaces in the Stalls and Dress Circle. The theatre has accessible toilets, lifts to all levels, hearing enhancement systems, and assistance dogs are welcome. Contact the box office when booking to discuss specific requirements.

Making a Weekend of It in Birmingham

With performances Tuesday through Saturday, many visitors combine Fawlty Towers with exploring Birmingham’s vibrant cultural scene, world-class shopping, and diverse culinary offerings.

Where to Stay

Very Close to the Theatre:

• Grand Hotel Birmingham: Opposite New Street Station, 2-minute walk
• Clayton Hotel Birmingham: Adjacent to Grand Central, 2-minute walk
• Hotel Indigo Birmingham: Boutique hotel, 5-minute walk
• Premier Inn Birmingham New Street: Budget-friendly, excellent location

What Else to Do in Birmingham

Between performances, explore England’s Second City:

• Bullring & Grand Central: World-class shopping next to the theatre
• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces and much more
• Cadbury World: Chocolate lovers’ paradise in Bournville
• Jewellery Quarter: Historic area with museums, shops, and cafés
• Sea Life Centre: UK’s first inland aquarium
• Thinktank Science Museum: Interactive science and technology
• Canals: Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice – explore the waterside bars and restaurants
• Balti Triangle: Experience Birmingham’s legendary curry mile

Booking Your Tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes including one interval. Perfect timing to grab interval drinks and discuss the chaos unfolding on stage!

Is it suitable for children?

Recommended for ages 8+, with no children under 5 admitted. The show contains mild adult themes and language consistent with the original TV series. Teenagers and adults will get the most from the sophisticated wordplay and physical farce.

Do I need to know the TV show?

Not at all! The play works perfectly as standalone theatre. While fans will appreciate callbacks and references, the comedy is self-explanatory and characters are clearly introduced. You’ll leave wanting to binge the original series!

Can I take photos during the performance?

No. Photography is not permitted during performances to protect the actors and ensure everyone enjoys the show. You’re welcome to take photos in the theatre foyer before the show and during the interval.

What should I wear?

There’s no dress code – most audiences dress smart casual. The Alexandra is relaxed, so smart jeans and a nice shirt or blouse are perfectly acceptable. Many people dress up for a night out, but comfort is key.

When should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before curtain up to collect tickets, visit the bar, buy programmes, and find your seats. The theatre’s proximity to New Street Station makes it easy to arrive in good time. Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break.

Are there accessible facilities?

Yes. The Alexandra offers wheelchair spaces, accessible seating, accessible toilets, lifts, and hearing enhancement systems. Contact the box office when booking to ensure the best experience for your specific needs.

Last updated: January 2026. Fawlty Towers – The Play performs at The Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 17-21 March 2026. Check with the box office for current ticket availability.

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