We need much more laughter in the world

MARION MCMULLEN MAKES A RESERVATION AT FAWLTY TOWERS AS JOHN CLEESE LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING HIS FAMOUS COMEDY HEAD OUT ON TOUR

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I think we need much more laughter in the world.

I’m not advocating mean teasing. Just good old-fashioned laughter. There’s nothing to beat it.

Are you pleased at the runaway stage success of Fawlty Towers in the West End?

To be honest, I was more confident about it than almost anything I've ever done. But life has taught me to be self-deprecating, particularly in the UK, otherwise, you're accused of being a bit cocky and you get slapped down.

I remember reading the finished script and thinking it was really funny.

And the English do love farce. Think Ben Travers. Think Brian Rix and Ray Cooney. Look at the success of Noises Off and One Man, Two Guvnors.

Farce is universal.

Are you looking forward to Basil causing more mayhem with the 10-month nationwide UK tour?