FMS returned with three more classic episodes of the infamous Fawlty Towers.
It is notoriously difficult to do justice to memorable originals, but director Marina Voak successfully achieved the fine balance of casting actors who physically resembled the instantly recognized, much-loved characters whilst enabling a fresh portrayal, enhanced with excellent pace and timing of dialogue and slapstick. Jonathan Redwood was superb as pompous, snooty yet fawning hotelier Basil Fawlty, with excellent mannerisms, gestures and vocal tribute; his first-rate timing, delivery and movement perfectly captured the essence of the character.
Graeme Clements (Manuel) had great physicality and characterization as the incompetent waiter from Barcelona, while Voak (Sybil) and Alexandra Maclean (Polly) were ideally cast as the female protagonists.
With great cameos from the supporting cast as guests (notably Stuart Frank, Ben Lister, Nick Scovell and Jennie Sharland), good hotel scenery and well-timed sound effects, this was an enjoyable evening of comic nostalgia.
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