Fawlty Towers is set for a reboot after four decades, and the show’s original lead John Cleese is set to star alongside his daughter.
It’s been a long time coming, but after more than 40 years off air, production company Castle Rock Entertainment has announced this week that it has closed a deal with John Cleese to bring Fawlty Towers back to our screens.
The show originally ran from 1975-1979 on BBC Two, and is widely regard by fans and critics as being one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.
Written by and starring John Cleese and Connie Booth, in case you’re unfamiliar with the show, or haven’t gotten around to giving it a watch, Fawlty Towers is set inside a fictional hotel of the same name in the seaside town of Torquay, and follows the working lives of rude hotel owner Basil Fawlty played by Cleese, his bossy wife Sybil played by Prunella Scales, the sensible chambermaid and peacemaker Polly played by Booth, and the hapless and English-challenged Spanish waiter Manuel played Andrew Sachs.
Storylines usually follow the team’s attempts to run the hotel while a bunch of farcical situations and an ever-changing lineup of demanding guests and tradespeople run a muck.
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A Fawlty Towers reboot is on the way after 40 years / Credit: BBC
Cleese told The Independent in 2018 that “there’s not much point” in a Fawlty Towers remake, and had even hinted that reboot probably wouldn’t work nowadays – but it seems he’s now changed his tune on the idea.
The 83-year-old comedian, actor, and screenwriter – who has in recent years been vocal against what he calls “wokeness” and “cancel culture”, and is soon set to present a show on right-wing news channel GB News as he wants to “promote proper argument” – will reprise his role as Basil Fawlty in the reboot.
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His real-life daughter, Camilla Cleese, will star alongside him as the hotelier’s long-lost daughter who has recently returned.
According to the show’s directors Matthew George and Derrick Rossi – who are also producing alongside Cleese, and Rob and Michele Reiner – the reboot will explore how the dramatic and cynical Basil navigates the modern world, while running a boutique hotel.
The reboot will see John Cleese reprise his role as hotelier Basil Fawlty / Credit: BBC
Speaking on the upcoming reboot, Cleese said: “When we first met, he [Matthew George] offered an excellent first idea, and then Matt, my daughter Camilla, and I had one of the best creative sessions I can remember. By dessert, we had an overall concept so good that, a few days later, it won the approval of Rob and Michele Reiner.
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“Camilla and I look forward enormously to expanding it into a series.”
Executive producer Rob Reiner called Cleese a “comedy legend” and that even just “the idea of working with him makes me laugh”.
Expected filming and air dates of the Fawlty Towers reboot are yet to be revealed.
Featured Image – BBC
TV & Showbiz
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
8th February 2023 
