IT’S been three years since I last reviewed a Fareham Musical Society “Fawlty Towers” production and I’m glad to be back.

Since my last review the core cast and society have performed all 12 episodes and have morphed into the characters so well that it’s impossible to believe that they don’t run a seedy hotel on the English Riviera in their spare time.

In 2012 I said they “wrung every last drip of comedy out of the classic lines and timed their interludes to perfection“. I was wrong – tonight was perfection.

The audience were chuckling before the gags, such was the anticipation and when Basil (Jonathan Redwood) writhed with irritation or Sybil (Marina Voak) made a cutting remark, the guffaws filled the auditorium.

The adorable Manuel (Graeme Clements) faced his own trials with the amorous chef (Gareth Billington) and Polly (Alexandra Maclean) provided the sanity in this hilarious quartet. The supporting cast also eminently deserve praise.

I’ll leave you with two words – good thrashing!

Rebecca Case