It takes some bravery to take one of the most classic television comedies of all time and bring it to the stage.

But bravery wasn't really needed for the Talisman Theatre's version of three famous episodes of the cult show Fawlty Towers.

The Germans, Communication Problems and Waldorf Salad were played out to a packed audience for opening night on Monday (February 16).

As with many Talisman productions, the shows and the scripts they choose to use are of the highest calibre and it takes good acting to make sure justice is done.

I can't imagine many actors, professional or amateur, wanting to take on a role such as Basil Fawlty, purely for the reason that only one actor was ever born to play him and that was the character's creator John Cleese - who wrote just 12 episodes with his then wife Connie Booth.

Bill Davis plays Basil in the Talisman's production and, possibly with some first night nerves, took a short time to get into the role before becoming a believable Basil.

Once the hurdles had been conquered, he fell naturally into the role and if you were to close your eyes and listen you might have thought Mr Cleese was in the house.

Manuel, the verbally and physically abused Barcelonan waiter, was played by David Draper, who was perfect in the role due to his similarity in looks to the original actor, and his cowering posture.

A faultless Sybil was played by Jill Laurie and the rest of the cast also did justice to superb comedy scripts written all those years ago.

The Talisman rarely disappoints and there were no let downs this time.

Lucia Clifford
Verdict - The bravery paid off.