A TELEVISION writer has made his theatre debut with a new farce starring Tessa Peake-Jones, Tony Gardner and Wendi Peters

Bang! Bang! written by John Cleese – of Fawlty Towers fame – is based on ‘Monsieur Chasse’ by Georges Feydeau, and will arrive in Theatr Clwyd this month.

This hilarious new adaptation of this classic comedy, a delicious blend of French Farce and Fawlty Towers tells the story of Leontine, a respectable society lady, discovers that she’s been hoodwinked by her husband, Duchotel, who’s always pretending to go hunting but really chasing after other ‘prey’.

She vows to take revenge on the philanderer! But while Duchotel’s away, his lifelong friend comes calling – and he’s on the hunt too. Will Leontine get caught in his sights, or instead set a trap of her own?

Secrets unravel as the devilish Duchotel finds himself snared in a door-slamming, trouser-dropping, balcony-climbing night of chaos set amidst the stylish apartments of Paris.

The cast includes Tessa Peake-Jones – who became a household name with her role as Raquel in the iconic comedy Only Fools and Horses.

Joining her is Tony Gardner who first made his name in comedy as part of the award-winning comedy duo Struck off and Die. He has appeared on TV in roles ranging from My Parents are Aliens to Last Tango in Halifax and on stage in Alan Ayckbourn’s classic Bedroom Farce.

Wendi Peters is most widely known for her role as Cilla Battersby in Coronation Street and is currently appearing in the West End smash-hit musical Big.

Writer John Cleese told the Leader: “I am delighted to be working with Exeter Nothcott Theatre and Dermot Mclaughlin to bring Bang Bang! to stages across the country with such a talented cast. Farce is my greatest love - Fawlty Towers consisted of 12 farces - and I think UK audiences will love this hilarious classic.

“If you loved Fawlty Towers then this is something else you are going to love.”

Speaking of his branch off into the theatre from television, Mr Cleese said that he really enjoyed hearing a reaction in the moment from the audience, something you don’t get with television writing until it is filmed and broadcast.

Bang! Bang! can be seen at Theatr Clwyd (Anthony Hopkins Theatre) from Tuesday, February 18 until Saturday, February 22.

Tickets priced from £10 are available from the Box Office on 01352 344101.