(Mark
Mulder & Annie Robinson)
It
works as a great night out for all “Fawlty Towers” fans, and even those who
have never experienced the TV series before. (Review by Barry Meehan)
Fawlty
Towers has long been regarded as probably the
finest British sitcom ever made. It has stood the test of time, even though it
was created 40 years ago, and has been appreciated by many generations of
comedy fans. Unfortunately, there were only 12 episodes in total, leaving fans
baying for more of the comic genius of John Cleese (Basil Fawlty), Prunella
Scales (Sybil Fawlty). Andrew Sachs (Manuel) and Connie Booth (Polly). The
remarkable thing about it is that it almost didn’t come into being, as the BBC
script editor who originally read it thought that it was “awful”!
The performances were iconic and
never-to-be-forgotten, with some of the more famous lines being repeated in
conversations around the world by those with a talent for impersonation (and
sometimes by those who don’t!)
Fortunately, Mark Mulder and Annie Robinson
both have truly remarkable talent, and their performances in Fawlty Flowers, currently playing at
Rhumbelow Tina’s in Kloof, are truly outstanding, delighting their opening night
audience as Basil, Sybil, Manuel, Polly, the Major, Mrs Richards, Mrs Penoir
and several others were brought to life with a variety of wigs, moustaches,
bits of clothing and accessories in a helter-skelter two-hour show, cleverly
devised and directed by Paul Spence. From the moment Robinson let rip with a
perfect Sybil laugh and the iconic “I knoooo-ooooow” along with “Basil…!!”, we
were immersed in the oddball and off-beat humour of the series.
The main focus of Fawlty Towers/Flowers is of course the relationship between Basil
and Sybil, which Mulder and Robinson play out to perfection. It would probably best
be described as long-suffering, both of them feeling put upon by the other.
There is a wonderful moment which sums up the relationship when Basil asks “You
remember when we got together? We used to laugh a lot.” The stunning retort
from Sybil is “Yes, Basil, but not at the same time!”
So many favourite scenes are included in
the show, standouts being (in my humble opinion) Basil’s discovery of Manuel’s
pedigree Siberian hamster when the Health Inspectors are due to arrive, the
deaf guest, Mrs Richards (played by both Mulder and Robinson during the same
scene), Basil’s chat about women with the Major (with Mulder hilariously
playing both characters simultaneously), Mrs Renoir’s attempted seduction of
Basil, and the German guests (“Don’t mention the War”), during which Basil has
his final breakdown.
Roland Stansell from the Rhumbelow is to be
commended for bringing this production to Tina’s, as it is far removed from the
norm at his venues. It works as a great night out for all Fawlty Towers fans, and even those who have never experienced the
TV series before.
There are two more performances at Tina’s –
tonight (Saturday) at 20h00, and tomorrow (Sunday) at 14h00. The
theatre venue opens 60 minutes before show for drinks.
Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners) and tables
seat 8. (No alcohol or food may be brought on to the premises). Tickets are
cash or EFT only. Secure parking is available. Booking is through Computicket
or contact Roland (also for large group booking discounts of 20 or more) on 082
499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene
Road in Kloof.
Fawlty
Flowers moves to Sandton, Johannesburg, to the
Theatre on the Square with performances from October 15 to 26. If you need a
great laugh, don’t miss it! – Barry Meehan
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