Fawlty Towers Arrives in Cardiff: A Classic Reborn for the Stage

Few titles in British comedy carry the weight—or the sheer quotability—of Fawlty Towers. With only twelve episodes ever made, the series has somehow embedded itself so deeply into the national psyche that entire generations can recite lines on command. Now, half a century after its original broadcast, John Cleese has adapted the beloved sitcom for the stage, weaving together three classic episodes—Communication Problems, The Germans, and The Hotel Inspectors—into one seamless theatrical farce.

The result? A production that has been selling out across the UK, drawing audiences who grew up watching the show with parents and grandparents, now returning to laugh together in a theatre full of strangers. And this month, the tour arrives at the Wales Millennium Centre.

Ahead of the Cardiff run, I sat down with actor Hemi Yeroham, who plays the iconic Manuel. We talked about the joy (and terror) of stepping into such a legendary role, the strange world of voiceovers, and the precarious life of a touring performer.

Interview: Chris Birch in Conversation with Hemi Yeroham

Listen to the Full Conversation Below

CHRIS: Before we get into Fawlty Towers, we were talking about voiceovers—those mysterious people whose voices we hear everywhere. You’ve done a few yourself?

HEMI: I have! And people always assume you’re rolling in royalties. I once did an airline safety recording and everyone said, “You must be minted.” But no—just a one‑hour studio fee and off you go. It played for years and I never saw another penny.

CHRIS: That’s wild. I did a bit of voiceover work in lockdown and ended up being the voice of Mrs. Doubtfire for Broadway. Completely random. No retainer there either.

HEMI: Exactly! It’s often quite disappointing. But anyway—we’re not here to talk about voiceovers, as fun as that would be.

CHRIS: True. We’re here to talk about Fawlty Towers. What’s it like working on one of the most iconic pieces of British comedy ever created?

HEMI: When you put it like that—no pressure! But honestly, it’s lovely. You walk into a theatre knowing the audience is already on your side. They’ve bought the ticket because they want to relive something they love. John Cleese said something beautiful: people watched this show with parents who may no longer be with us, and now they’re watching it with 800 or 1,000 people, all laughing together. There’s comfort in that.

CHRIS: And the quotable lines—do you get people reacting before the jokes even land?

HEMI: Oh yes. Sometimes I walk on as Manuel and you can hear the murmur—“Here it comes.” Occasionally people even shout the lines at me. If there’s a pause and they know what’s coming, they’ll yell “¡Qué!” across the theatre. Please don’t do that. Comedy is timing, and it throws everything off.

CHRIS: I imagine stepping into Manuel must have been daunting.

HEMI: Terrifying. Especially because I hadn’t seen the show when I got the job. I grew up in Istanbul, so Fawlty Towers wasn’t part of my childhood. I knew it was huge, though, and I lost a few nights’ sleep over the responsibility. You don’t want to impersonate Andrew Sachs, but you also can’t walk into rehearsals and say, “I’m playing him French.” It’s about honouring the original while finding little places to put your own stamp on it.

CHRIS: I would absolutely pay to see you play Manuel as a Frenchman.

HEMI: We’ve joked about Fawlty Towers on Ice. Maybe then Manuel could be French. I can’t skate, though, so perhaps not.

CHRIS: Tell me about the stage version. Is it a new story or a blend of the originals?

HEMI: John has taken three episodes and woven them together. They don’t play one after the other—they’re meshed into a single storyline with a proper build and ending. People who don’t know the originals can’t tell where one episode ends and another begins. It’s very cleverly done.

CHRIS: And you’ve been touring for a while now. Have you spent much time in Cardiff before?

HEMI: Quite a bit! I filmed Doctor Who and Casualty here, so this will be my fifth or sixth time. I practically live here. I’m Welsh now.

CHRIS: You could play Manuel as a Welshman.

HEMI: I would offend so many people. I’m terrible at British accents.

CHRIS: After the tour ends, what’s next for you?

HEMI: I don’t know. That’s the freelance life. The contract ends and you might have something lined up—or nothing for a year. Danny, who plays Basil, starts rehearsals for his next job the Monday after we finish. I’m thrilled for him, but also slightly panicked. There’s always a voice saying, “This could be your last job.” Touring takes over your life, so I’ll be ready for a break, but it would be nice to know what’s coming next.

CHRIS: Well, I’m really looking forward to seeing you in Cardiff. Any iconic line you want to leave us with?

HEMI: “I know nothing.” It’s become my life motto.

Fawlty Towers at the Wales Millennium Centre

stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers arrives at the Wales Millennium Centre as part of its major UK tour, bringing Cleese’s timeless chaos to one of the country’s most iconic theatres. With a cast that honours the original while bringing fresh energy to the material, the production has been praised for its sharp timing, physical comedy, and affectionate nods to the series’ most beloved moments.

Whether you grew up quoting Basil’s rants, Sybil’s shrieks, or Manuel’s bewildered “I know nothing,” this is a chance to experience the mayhem live—with hundreds of people laughing along beside you.

Full cast and creative details are available at the official tour website: https://fawltytowerstour.co.uk/cast-creative/