A STAR of a Fawlty Towers stage show has spoken about what it means to be returning to his hometown with a smash-hit production.
Neil Stewart was born and raised in Southend and is now performing as a range of supporting characters in Fawlty Towers: The Play, which is due to hit the Cliffs Pavilion stage at the end of this month.
The show, directed by John Cleese and also starring Strictly sensation Joanne Clifton, has received hit reviews from critics and audiences in recent months.
We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at https://bit.ly/4eGOxig to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.
“It feels great to be coming back to Southend because, apart from being my hometown, I started my career at the Palace Theatre in Westcliff in the late 80s,” said Neil.
“I did at least a dozen shows there, but I've never ever performed at the Cliffs Pavilion so it's very exciting for me.
“I go to Southend regularly to visit my mum and I should be staying with her for that week so that'll be lovely.
“I’m sure it’ll have its moments too - she's a feisty woman!”
As part of the successful tour, the show recently spent several weeks on the West End, where the cast and crew enjoyed feedback from John Cleese himself.
The legendary co-creator of the hit 1970s sitcom stopped by to provide notes, which Neil described as “a sprinkling of magic dust”.
“Every single little note he gave was absolutely wonderful and my real highlight was meeting John on stage at our press night,” he said.
Read more
- Documentary shines light on community centre's efforts to help Southend's homeless
- Initial proposals for 2,000 home green belt development submitted to Southend Council
- Upgrades 'making life easier' amid £5m pavement improvement works in Southend
While Neil grew up in Southend, co-star John Hasler also has fond memories of childhood visits to the city.
“It’s always a lovely feeling to be coming back home to Essex and it’s especially exciting because I’ve got lots of friends and family coming to see the show at the Cliffs Pavilion,” said the Romford native.
“I love Southend and, when I was a child, we would regularly take day trips to the beach and spend time in the amusements on Southend seafront, so it holds a very special place in my heart.”
Fawlty Towers – The Play runs at Southend, Cliffs Pavilion 25 – 29 November. Tickets: FawltyTowersTour.co.uk
Share