Review: BENIDORM LIVE, King's Theatre, Glasgow

After ten years on television, smash-hit Benidorm is saying goodbye to fans with a live stage show.

You don't have to be familiar with the tv show to have a good time at Benidorm Live. Enough background information is given and this works well as a stand alone story. Posh couple Sophie and Ben have arrived in Spain for a luxury break to find their hotel has been overbooked and they have been checked into the Solana hotel. Boasting 3-ish stars, the Solana isn't quite what they expected and while Ben tries to make the best of the situation, his wife complains relentlessly.

While previous knowledge of the show isn't essential, I suspected that it definitely enhanced my experience. Nods to previous storylines were well worked into the script and there was rapturous applause every time an original cast member stepped onstage. The character introductions were so well done, with all six getting to make a grand entrance. I particularly enjoyed Matteo's (Jake Canuso) dramatic appearance during a performance of "Livin' La Vida Loca". Benidorm Live is delightfully garish and that is where its appeal lies.

With a strong ensemble cast and new additions Tricia Adele-Turner as Sophie and Bradley Clarkson as Ben quickly establishing themselves as firm favourites, the cast are what gives this production its heart.

One of my personal highlights was Tony Maudsley who displays excellent comic timing as loud-mouthed hair stylist Kenneth. Janine Duvitski shines as Jacqueline- the seemingly sweet pensioner who is responsible for the filthiest lines in the show. Sherrie Hewson is the Solana's hapless manager. The hotel is her life and it means the world to her so despite her manner with the staff being a little off- you can't help but love her.

Mark Walters' set and costume design is fabulous and entirely captures the spirit of the Solana. The set revolves between the hotel reception, pool area and Neptune's bar and they all look very intricate.

Darren Little has created something really special in Benidorm and this stage show is the perfect way to see it off. As Ben says, there are two ways to experience Benidorm. One can either be appalled and fight against it, or you can go with the flow and enjoy yourself. I choose the latter!

Benidorm is at the King's Theatre until Saturday 9th February.

Photo credit: Paul Coltas

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