223: Being Basil Fawlty | Adam Jackson-Smith

What happens when John Cleese personally selects you to play Basil Fawlty in the West End revival of one of the most iconic sitcoms in TV history? If you're Adam Jackson-Smith, you say yes… and then quietly panic. In this special episode of The Leadership Enigma, we go behind the curtain with the man trusted to resurrect Basil on stage. Adam shares the rollercoaster ride from virtual auditions (complete with tweed jacket and moustache) to 300+ physically demanding performances that quite literally sweated the weight off him. From Zoom auditions with Cleese himself to hilarious backstage stories (including what Jonny Vaughan whispered before curtain up), Adam lifts the lid on the resilience, leadership, and full-body slapstick needed to become a comedy legend — without simply mimicking one. 🎬 Hear about: The surreal moment John Cleese said, “You’re my Basil.” Why preview night made every nerve jangle. The hidden pressures of leading a West End cast. And why his most stressful performance wasn’t opening night. Whether you're a fan of Fawlty Towers, the theatre, or just love a tale of high-stakes transformation, this episode is a brilliantly funny and deeply human story about legacy, leadership, and living up to legends. 📺 Hit play, don't mention the war, and definitely don’t miss this one. #LeadershipEnigma #FawltyTowers #JohnCleese #BasilFawlty #WestEnd #ActingLife #BehindTheScenes #comedylegends This episode was powered by "Where The Evidence Takes Us" is available from Amazon Connect with Kevin O'Leary (Red Leadership) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevoleary/ https://www.redleadership.co.uk/