Mid Surrey Theatre Company (MSTC)
Epsom Playhouse
Three episodes of Fawlty Towers
Reviewed by Tony Flook
Mid Surrey Theatre Company's (MSTC) production, directed by Anthony Kemp, was one of those experiences where all the best elements of theatre came totally together.
One key was that Connie Booth and John Cleese's scripts are almost as fresh today as when they were first televised some 30 years ago.
Few comedies have had the benefit of such brilliantly-observed, idiosyncratic characters together plus an amalgam of clever jokes combined with situations ranging from the credible to the near-farcical.
The limitation with such iconic material is that there is no scope for the director and performers to vary it with their own interpretations the audience expects to see the personalities portrayed precisely as they were originally.
MSTC could not be faulted in this respect. Every staff member, resident and guest was faithfully represented as we remember them. Interaction between all the actors was needle sharp. Lines were carefully emphasised and delivered with precision. All movements were meaningful and actors coming from different parts of the large stage always arrived together at the right place to the split second.
Every scene, every event, however seemingly trivial had obviously been meticulously rehearsed so that each incident was perfectly built.
Russell Gill embodied many of Basil's eccentric and sometimes embarrassingly squirming traits, never more so than when trying often unsuccessfully - to climb out of a hole he had dug for himself. His battles with his wife, which he inevitably lost, were always worth anticipating, then watching.
Theresa Hart personified the unreal Sybil, complete with irritating laugh, trademark hairstyle and one-sided telephone conversations with her equally appalling friend, Audrey.
It was easy to sympathise with the much (physically and mentally) abused Manuel, stoically played by Jonathan Constant.
Nikky Kirkup, Polly, flitted calmly backwards and forwards, apparently impervious to the mayhem around her.
Paul Brown showed Major Gowen's absent-mindedness, which added fuel to the fire in one episode.
In a long list of near-impeccable supporting performances, Iain Watson stood out as the unfortunate guest Basil mistakes for a hotel inspector.
The meticulously dressed set was not only visually impressive but also laid out so as to allow free movement to all parts of the hotel.