Check in to Fawlty Towers at the Apollo Theatre

"an all-round good time"

"very good fun"

"an uncanny exercise in nostalgia"

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Fawlty Towers

Que? Fawlty Towers is back in business? You’re not hearing things - it’s true! The classic sitcom is now a laugh-out-loud play as Basil Fawlty bursts onto the stage at the Apollo Theatre. Bringing together all of the best moments from the much-loved ‘70s show, you are invited to check in to Torquay’s most famous hotel (sea views not guaranteed…) and face the wrath of the famous, furious hotelier. His motley crew of waiters, porters and chambermaids are doing their best, but it’s an unpredictable stay from start to end. Will Manuel make any mistakes? Will Sybil ever stop gossiping over the phone to her friends? And will Polly make it through the day without having to salvage something resembling customer service from the utter chaos around her? Find out with tickets to this hilarious comedy, written by John Cleese himself and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger (Only Fools and Horses: The Musical).

Show Times

Booking From: 5 May 2024
Booking Until: 4 January 2025
Running Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Video Show Times

About the Apollo Theatre

After first opening its doors February 1901, the Apollo Theatre has since become has gained a reputation as a great venue for nurturing new and upcoming plays, musicals and comedies. Named after the Greek god of the Arts and leader of the Muses, the Apollo theatre certainly lives up to its namesake. A Grade-II listed building amid the beating heart of London’s Theatreland, the venue is tall, grand and exquisite. With a capacity of 775, the theatre consists of three levels made up of the Stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle. During a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in 2013, the Apollo’s Balcony seating collapsed and the theatre has since been restored.

From 2017-2021, The Apollo Theatre was the home of inspiring British musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie. Notable recent productions include Nell Gwynn starring Gemma Arterton, The Audience starring Kristen Scott Thomas, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring Sienna Miller and Jack O'Connell.

Apollo Theatre History and Timeline

Cruise opens at the Apollo Theatre

2022-08-13

5-star, one-person show Cruise opens at the Apollo Theatre with a moving, exhilarating and powerful portrayal of London's gay scene during the 1980s AIDS epidemic.

Magic Goes Wrong opens at the Apollo

2021-10-21

Mischief Theatre Company and Penn & Teller collaboration Magic Goes Wrong crashes into the Apollo Theatre, bringing madness and mayhem with it! After a successful run at the Vaudeville Theatre, the slapstick comedy takes residence at the Apollo while Everybody's Talking About Jamie is on hiatus.

Jamie takes his final bow at the Apollo

2021-09-26

After running since 2017, Everybody's Talking About Jamie plays its last performance at the Apollo Theatre to embark on a world tour. The show plans to return to the Apollo in 2022.

Jerusalem opens to rave reviews

2022-04-30

Myrk Rylance returns as "Rooster" Byron in the triumphant revival of Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem. A wave of 5-star reviews follow the press night, leaving little doubt that the play and central performance remain essential West End viewing.

The Apollo Theatre opens

1901-02-21

Designed by Lewin Sharp and owned by Henry Lowenfield, the Apollo Theatre opened in 1901 with the American musical 'The Belle of Bohemia'. It was the first London theatre to be built during the Edwardian period and featured three tiers, with the Balcony considered to be the steepest in London.

The theatre hosts 'The Follies'

1908-01-01

After presenting a range of light operas and dramas, the venue became home to H.G Pelissier's 'The Follies'. These grew in scale and ambition, touring the UK at the turn of the century, before finding a more permanent home at the Apollo Theatre. Pelissier married Fay Compton in 1912, but he died in September 1913.

Hobson's Choice premieres

1916-06-24

Harold Brighouse's play 'Hobson's Choice' opens at the Apollo Theatre following a successful run at the Princess Theatre in New York. The original production starred Norman McKinnel as Henry Horatio Hobson.

Journey's End opens starring Laurence Olivier

1928-12-09

R.C Sherriff's World War One drama 'Journey's End' was first performed by the Incorporated Stage Society at the Apollo, before successfully transferring around the West End for the next two years. Set in the the trenches in 1918, this gritty drama was directed by James Whale and starred a 21 year old Laurence Olivier as Stanhope.

Terence Rattigan's 'Flare Path' premieres

1942-07-13

A second successful war play premiered at the Apollo Theatre during the Second World War. Produced by Binkie Beaumont, Rattigan's 'Flare Path' was directed by Anthony Asquith and starred Jack Watling and Phyllis Calvert. The show was a critical and commercial success, running for 679 performances, despite the initial scepticism regarding the subject matter.

The first London revival of 'Private Lives' opens

1944-01-01

Fourteen years after the original West End production, Noel Coward's most famous comedy 'Private Lives' opened at the Apollo. John Clements starred as Elyot, with Kay Hammond as Amanda.

Boeing-Boeing has its London premiere

1962-08-11

The classic French farce by Marc Camoletti had its London premiere at the Apollo Theatre before transferring to the Duchess Theatre where it ran for a total of seven years. Set in the swinging 60s, the comedy revolves around bachelor Bernard, who has three stewardesses all engaged to him without them knowing. The original production starred David Tomlinson in the lead role. The show has since entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the most performed French play in the world.

David Storey's 'Home' runs at the Apollo

1970-06-17

Sir John Gielgud returned to the Apollo Theatre to play opposite Ralph Richardson in David Storey's play 'Home'. Set in a mental asylum, it premiered at the Royal Court Theatre before transferring to the Apollo and later Broadway.

The Norman Conquests opens in London

1974-01-01

This trilogy of plays by Alan Ayckbourn had its premiere in Scarborough before opening at the Apollo Theatre. The cast starred Tom Cournenay as Norman, Penelope Keith as Sarah Felicity Kendal as Annie and Michael Gambon as Tom. The small scale dramas are comic and portray the relationships of six different characters.

Driving Miss Daisy has its London premiere

1988-01-01

Alfred Uhry's play about the relationship between an elderly Southern Jewish woman and her African-American driver originally opened Off-Broadway in 1987. The London production opened in 1988 at the Apollo Theatre and starred Dame Wendy Hiller, Clarke Peters and Barry Foster.

Defending the Caveman runs at the Apollo

1999-01-01

Mark Little's one man show 'Defending the Caveman' ran at the Apollo Theatre, where it went on to win the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf

2008-07-01

The 2005 Broadway revival of Edward Albee's classic play transferred to the Apollo Theatre in 2006. Directed by Anthony Page, it featured Kathleen Turner as Martha and Bill Irwin as George, who went on to win the 2005 Tony Award for Best Actor.

Glengarry Glenn Ross opens at the Apollo Theatre

2007-10-10

David Mamet's striking play about the ruthless world of Chicago salesmen was revived at the Apollo starring Jonathan Pryce and Aidan Gillen. Directed by James Macdonald and featuring designs by Anthony Ward, this bold production of an American classic was a critical hit.

Rain Man has its London premiere

2008-09-19

Josh Hartnett made his West End debut in this stage adaptation of the Oscar winning screenplay by Dan Gordon. The production was directed by Terry Johnson and co starred Adam Godley as Raymond. The play examined the nature of love and featured a contemporary story in an exciting and bold setting.

Three Days of Rain opens at the Apollo Theatre

2009-02-10

Director Jamie Lloyd brought a new production of 'Three Days of Rain' to the Apollo Theatre. James McAvoy and Nigel Harman starred in Richard Greenberg's play, which explored how the private worlds of each generation go on to be reinterpreted by the next.

All My Sons is revived at the Apollo

2010-05-19

Arthur Miller's classic play was revisited once again by Howard Davis, following his previous production at the National Theatre. Featuring stunning designs by William Dudley, this explosive domestic drama starred David Suchet as Joe Keller and Zoe Wanamaker as Mrs Keller. The production gained excellent reviews and went on to be nominated for a string of awards.

Blithe Spirit is revived by Thea Sharrock

2011-03-09

Noel Coward's 1941 play 'Blithe Spirit' was revived at the Apollo throughout Spring 2011. Olivier Award winning actress Alison Steadman starred as Madame Arcati who attempts to conjure up the ghost of Charles's first wife during a seance. Ruthie Henshall, Hermione Norris and Robert Bathurst all starred in this impressive production directed by Thea Sharrock.

Jerusalem transfers to the Apollo

2011-10-08

Jez Butterworth's play 'Jerusalem' originally opened at the Royal Court Theatre, before transferring to Broadway. The production at the Apollo Theatre was a complete sell out, and earned four Evening Standard Awards as well as the 2011 Tony Award for Best Actor in a play. Mark Rylance reprised his award winning performance as Johnny Byron, in a production directed by Ian Rickson.

Yes Prime Minister opens at the Apollo

2011-07-06

Based on the hit satirical TV series of the same name, 'Yes, Prime Minister' opened at the Apollo Theatre. Written by the original writers of the TV series, the memorable characters of Prime Minister Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby came to life onstage. The production was commercially successful, and transferred to the Gielgud Theatre following a number of UK tours.

Long Day's Journey Into Night opens at the Apollo

2012-04-10

David Suchet returned to the Apollo Theatre in a bold revival of Eugene O'Neill's masterpiece 'Long Day's Journey Into Night'. This compelling domestic drama set in 1912 follows the Tyrone family over one summer day, and is often called one of the greatest American plays of the 20th Century.

Richard III & Twelfth Night transfer from The Globe

2012-11-20

Shakespeare's Globe's all male productions of 'Richard III' and 'Twelfth Night' ran in rep at the Apollo Theatre in a sell out Christmas season. Mark Rylance starred in both plays, with TV personality Stephen Fry starring as Malvolio in 'Twelfth Night'. Both productions were critically and commercially successful and later transferred to Broadway.

The Madness of George III transfers to the Apollo

2012-01-23

The Theatre Royal Bath's production of Alan Bennett's 'The Madness of George III' transferred to the West End starring David Haig in the title role. This 1991 comedy gained excellent reviews and much praise for Haig, as well as Christopher Luscombe's direction and Janet Bird's design.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

2013-03-12

The National Theatre's compelling production based on Mark Haddon's original novel transferred from the intimate Cottesloe Theatre to the Apollo Theatre following a sell out season. Simon Stephen's stage adaptation is masterfully directed by Marianne Elliot and went on to win the Olivier Award for Best Play.

Let the Right One In

2014-03-26

Following a sell out run at the Royal Court Theatre, Jack Thorne's stage adaptation of John Ajvide Lindqvist's horror story about a young vampire, Let the Right One In, transferred to the Apollo Theatre. It's set to run until 27th September and has proved popular amongst the critics.

Urinetown transfers from the St James Theatre

2014-09-29

The hit musical Urinetown transferred to the Apollo Theatre on the 29th September after a hugely successful run at the St James Theatre. The show tells the story of a dystopian city suffering from a 20 year drought, and because of the water shortage nobody is allowed to pee for free. Citizens must use the expensive public toilets where the prices are always on the rise. If you're caught relieving yourself anywhere else you're carted away to Urinetown, and nobody ever comes back. But Bobby Strong, an attendant at the urinal Public Amenity #9, plots to discover the secret of Urinetown after he sees his dad taken away by the police. The show has been described as an anti-musical; it's extremely self-referential and often mocks itself throughout.

Dear Lupin Opens

2015-07-30

Real life father and son James and Jack Fox star in the West End premiere of a new play based on Roger Mortimer's best selling book 'Dear Lupin:Letters to a Wayward Son'. Adapted for the stage by Michael Simkins the show offers a humorous and often touching look at Mortimer's relationship with his rebellious son Charlie throughout the 1960’s and 70’s.

My Night With Reg

2015-01-17

Kevin Elyot's play 'My Night With Reg' comes to the Apollo Theatre from the 17th January until the 11th April 2015. It's set in London in the middle of the 1980s AIDs epidemic, and centres around a group of gay male friends who met at University. They regularly meet for catch up in Guy's apartment, where the entire play is set over the course of a few years. As the friends meet up and discuss their lives it becomes apparent that one character, Reg, has had a profound effect on all of them. But the allusive Reg never appears in the play. At the same time as shouldering his friend's worries, Guy is dealing with an incident which happened to him on holiday in Lanzarote. This production is a highly anticipated transfer from the Donmar Warehouse and is sure to be a hit on the West End.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong opens

2015-12-04

Mischief Theatre bring a new show to West End after the huge success of The Play That Goes Wrong, which runs at the Duchess Theatre. Peter Pan Goes Wrong is their new festive farce and is written by the original Mischief team of Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. Once again, The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society return to deliver a hilariously chaotic production, this time being J. M. Barrie's children's classic.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical opens

2015-09-24

After 8 years of touring various festivals, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical arrived at the Apollo Theatre for its first full West End run. The multi award-winning show is created by The Showstoppers; a talented cast of improvisers who take audience suggestions and create fully-formed new musicals on-the-spot every night.

The Audience

2015-04-21

The Audience explores the unique relationship between The Queen and each of her Prime Ministers. Every Tuesday evening she holds a private meeting with her Prime Minister, but the conversations that take place are never discussed. Kristin Scott Thomas stars in this production whilst Dame Helen Mirren performs as the Queen in the Broadway version.

Horrible Histories returns to the West End

2016-08-05

Smash-hit children's Horrible Histories returns to the West End, this time with an all-new show. The Best of Barmy Britain packs in all the best bits of their previous shows, with Queen Victoria and Henry VIII both making an appearance. An excellently educational show, with all of the gory bits left in, this is the perfect summer treat for families!

Peter Pan Goes Wrong broadcast on BBC on New Year's Eve

2016-12-31

Returning for a second Christmas season, Mischief Theatre's hilarious Peter Pan Goes Wrong was broadcast on BBC One on New Year's Eve. A pre-recorded screening that took place at the Apollo Theatre, the festive farce had families in stitches across the country!

Peter Pan Goes Wrong returns

2016-10-20

Following the success of Peter Pan Goes Wrong when it was on at the Apollo Theatre in 2015, the show returns to the same venue for another run of fairytale gags. The opening of Peter Pan Goes Wrong will mean that Mischief Theatre have three shows on concurrently in the West End - a huge achievement for the Olivier Award winning theatre company that formed in 2008.

The Go-Between opens

2016-05-27

Michael Crawford returns to the West End to star in The Go-Between, a new musical based on L.P. Hartley's 1953 novel of the same name. Many generations have witnessed Crawford's work on stage, and he is set to delight his fans once more as he plays the title role in this exciting new production.

Brodsky/Baryshnikov receives West End run

2017-05-03

Alvis Hermanis' Russian production receives a limited run at the Apollo Theatre London. Performer Mikhail Baryshnikov dives deep into his friend Joseph Brodsky's poetry, uncovering the truth in his poignant works.

Hollywood actors star in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

2017-07-13

Sienna Miller and Jack O'Connell take centre stage in the Young Vic's brand new production of Tennessee Williams' well-known domestic drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Benedict Andrews.

A new musical hits the West End!

2017-11-06

Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae's smash-hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie transfers to London's Apollo Theatre, following a hugely successful run at the Sheffield Crucible. John McCrea stars as the title role in this true coming-of-age story.

Love in Idleness transfers to the Apollo Theatre

2017-05-11

Trevor Nunn's revival of Terence Rattigan's brilliant comedy Love in Idleness transfers to the Apollo Theatre, following a sold out season at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Starring Olivier Award-winning actress Eve Best opposite Anthony Head and Edward Bluemel, Love in Idleness received five-star reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Travesties receives 5 Olivier Award nominations

2017-03-06

The Apollo Theatre transfer of Travesties earns 5 Olivier Award nominations, including Best Actor for Tom Hollander and Best Revival.

Tom Hollander stars in Travesties

2017-02-03

After a sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Patrick Marber's revival of Tom Stoppard's riotous comedy Travesties transfers to the Apollo Theatre. Starring Tom Hollander as Henry Carr and Freddie Fox as Tristan Tzara, Travesties is the absurd tale of a man in the First World War who struggles to disassociate the real from the fantasy...

Derren Brown arrives at the Apollo Theatre with Showman

2022-12-09

Derren Brown's Showman opens at the Apollo Theatre. Timeout described the master mentalist's latest outing as "a sobering show about life and death in a post-pandemic world". Photo by Mark Douet.

The Upstart Crow opens at the Apollo Theatre

2022-09-23

David Mitchellm Ben Elton and co bring the hilarity of their Shakespearian sitcom to the stage with The Upstart Crow. This laugh-out-loud comedy delighted fans at the Apollo Theatre for a limited season.