From the moment I entered the auditorium and saw the set, I felt as though I had been transported to Benidorm’s premium hotel, The Solana run by everyone’s favourite hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage, Sherrie Hewson. If the popular TV sitcom was anything to go by, I knew I was in for an evening of sun, sea and swinging senior citizens and with hilarity waiting around every corner, I was not disappointed.
Benidorm live is not dissimilar from the popular TV sitcom and follows the story of Sophie played on this occasion by Serena Giacomini and Ben, Bradley Clarkson, two young holiday makers who get more than they bargained for during their stay at the ‘Costa Del all-inclusive’, when our favourite characters Mateo played by Jake Canuso, the very cheeky Jacqueline, Janine Duvitski and her partner in crime Derek, Damian Williams, wreak havoc on the unsuspecting couple. Of course, it’s not long before assorted hysterical complications ensue at the hands of the entire ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff.
My absolute favourite characters had to be Kenneth, Tony Maudsley and Liam Adam Gillen whose wacky escapades in the Blow ‘n’ Go had me literally crying with laughter.
Benidorm Live is uplifting, hilariously funny and cheeky as hell, a dose of sunshine was just what the doctor ordered on an otherwise rainy day here in Nottingham. The audience was a real mixture of ages and was enjoyed by all. The popularity of the TV show was clearly evidenced by the cheers, whoops and finally the standing ovation, with huge smiles from the whole audience as we filed out of the auditorium. A fantastic evening had by all.
Review by Rachel Fraser
