Actor and screenwriter John Cleese recently opened up about his decision to revive the iconic comedy series, Fawlty Towers, for a West End production, and the reason isn’t as complicated as some may think, it’s for the money!
Fawlty Towers Revival
Cleese was initial skeptical about the revival of the series as he first turned down a few offers about the series. He was offered a musical and even a new TV show related to the series, but it wasn’t until that he was offered a stage adaptation for the West End that he eventually agreed.
Now after 50 years, we now have the iconic sitcom’s stage production available for us to relive! The production is based on an episode that was briefly removed from broadcast platforms in 2020 because of the content within it, you can read more about it HERE!
The motive is the same as John Cleese, candid – the reason was because of money. He said in an interview with The Times that,
But this is about getting myself a nest egg, so I can get a place in the sun. Because I have a problem with British weather… And if there’s a crisis, you can throw money at it. That’s the best thing about money.
Fawlty Towers, co-written by Cleese and his ex-wife Connie Booth, aired from 1975 to 1979, drawing inspiration from real-life hotel owner Donald Sinclair’s eccentric behavior.
Cleese and Booth met on the comedy circuit while studying drama in New York and collaborated on both series of Fawlty Towers, with Booth portraying chambermaid Polly Sherman. Despite divorcing before the second series concluded, their comedic partnership endured.
John Cleese’s Other Projects
In addition to the Fawlty Towers revival, Cleese is involved in several other projects. He disclosed plans for a new television show set in the Caribbean, featuring the daughter of Fawlty Towers’ protagonist Basil embarking on a new job.
Cleese is also working on both musical and non-musical versions of Monty Python’s Life of Brian, along with a comedy film centered on cannibalism.
Controversy Surrounding Fawlty Towers
In 2020, the BBC removed an episode of Fawlty Towers, titled “The Germans,” from UKTV due to its perceived racial insensitivity. The episode featured Cleese’s character making references to the Nazis, causing offense.
Despite the controversy, Cleese confirmed that the scene in question would remain intact in the new West End production, so anyone who wasn’t able to see it could technically it as a missing episode from the original broadcast.
Cleese says that he agreed to the revival because he, “I want enough money so I don’t fly commercial”, I mean who doesn’t? For more great comedy shows and talented comedians, visit Big Belly Comedy Club! Great shows, good food, and lots and lots of drinks so come on in!
