We need much more laughter in the world

I think we need much more laughter in the world.

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They come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers and the world doesn’t seem quite so bleak. That's my reward.

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?

I’m thrilled with the top-class group of comedy actors that we've assembled for the UK tour which begins in September.