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★★★★

“Adam Gillen is particularly entertaining and chucklesome as Blow ‘n’ Go hairdresser Liam”

Sun, sea, saucy jokes, sangrias and saveloy puns galore. Twelve years after ITV’s smash hit Benidorm first aired, writer Derren Litten, as part of a nationwide tour, brings the Brit-abroad phenomenon to the Theatre Royal Brighton with his new stage show Benidorm Live! The premise is clear, The Solana Hotel is in trouble and when word of an undercover hotel inspector arriving spreads, panic ensues. The show follows three storylines that intertwine skillfully through a mix of musical interludes and a revolving set, beautiful created by designer Mark Walters. The Solana’s staff hunt for the illusive hotel inspector’s identity, beloved hairdresser Kenneth has a new admirer Derek (Damian Williams) and posh couple Sophie (Tricia Adele-Turner) and Josh (Bradley Clarkson) are forced to stay in the Solana, due to their more expensive and less shabby hotel being accidently overbooked.

Under strong and clear direction from Ed Curtis we are quickly reunited with fan-favourites Mateo (Jake Canuso), Jacqueline (Janine Duvitski) , Joyce Temple-Savage (Sherrie Hewson), Sam (Shelley Longworth) and Kenneth (Tony Maudsley); each of whom are greeted with a rapturous round of applause upon entering the stage in panto-esque fashion however Adam Gillen is particularly entertaining and chucklesome as Blow ‘n’ Go hairdresser Liam. It is evident that all the characters are dearly beloved and their chemistry from the BAFTA winning series is clear from the off. They are supported by a talented ensemble of Will Breckin, Kevin Brewis, Deborah Bundy, Serena Giacomini, Will Jennings and Ben Redfern.

Although not dubbed a musical, the show contains a plethora of well-known hits from Livin# La Vida Loca to Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable. Singer Asa Elliott does well to hold the musical interludes and numbers together, but they lack any real punch and failed to get the audience singing along despite his best efforts. Although the characters needed to be an exaggerated version of their TV self, sound levels were set far too high meaning you often felt as if the actors were shouting, diminishing the need for microphones altogether outside of the big musical numbers; This also becomes a detriment throughout the evening as lines and gags are lost.

That being said, whether you’re a newbie checking into the Solana for the first time or a regular in Neptune’s Bar, you can’t help but smile at Benidorm Live’s adult exuberance. Derren Litten’s creation is the lovechild of Fawlty Towers and your local pantomime, just a lot bawdier. A laugh-a-minute high energy show.

Reviewed by Nathan Collins

Photography by Paul Coltas

A Modest Little Man

Bread and Roses Theatre

Reviewed – 17th January 2019

★★★

“a thought-provoking piece that is distinctly aware of the importance of remembering the past in difficult political climates”

Clement Attlee was described as a ‘little mouse’ (Hugh Dalton), a man that had ‘no natural presence’ (Sir Alan Lascelles). It seems difficult, therefore, to make a play out of his life. But it is not impossible and it seems important to try. On the eve of the destruction of it, this timely play tracks how such an unusual man came to power and set up the Welfare State. Written by his biographer, Francis Beckett, the play is full of fascinating historical detail and cutting one-liners even when it falters in the drama.

The piece unfortunately lacks momentum, rendering the emotional tone unchanging. The most poignant moment is saved for the end, for Attlee’s final speech which resonates in its simplicity and resolve. It seems an enormous challenge to get underneath Attlee’s quiet modesty. What the play loses in pace, it gains in gradually establishing Attlee’s personality.

Roger Rose’s Attlee is appropriately subtle, with small but significant movements that bring the character to life. Lynne O’Sullivan plays Violet Attlee, who also narrates the story and does a wonderful job of holding the piece together with empathy and humour. Clive Greenwood’s performances as King George VI, Nye Bevan and Ernest Bevin are particularly enjoyable and dynamic.

Though the lights could be a little glaring, Owain Rose’s direction is uncomplicated and effective. The modest table and chairs makes for a stage that concentrates on the story and the characters’ relationships. The cast generally hold the array of characters well, though there are a few accents out of place and the odd forgotten line. Indeed, the highlights of the play are when the cast are onstage together, debating about how to negotiate the creation of the National Health Service and other nationalisation plans against the tide of criticism and financial difficulties.

Beckett’s text struggles to make a drama out of Attlee’s career. What it does instead, is make an important and admirable political commentary. Beckett’s writing does not attempt to romanticise the post-war period which so many other writers have. There are clear allusions to Corbyn and a fearless criticism of a class prejudices that are, clearly, very relevant today. This is a thought-provoking piece that is distinctly aware of the importance of remembering the past in difficult political climates.

Tag Archives: Mark Thomas

Benidorm Live!
★★★★

Theatre Royal Brighton

Theatre Royal Brighton & UK Tour

Reviewed – 25th February 2019

★★★★

“Adam Gillen is particularly entertaining and chucklesome as Blow ‘n’ Go hairdresser Liam”

Reviewed by Nathan Collins

Photography by Paul Coltas

Benidorm Live!

Theatre Royal Brighton & UK Tour

Previously reviewed at this venue:

This is Elvis | ★★★ | July 2018

Salad Days | ★★★ | September 2018

Rocky Horror Show | ★★★★ | December 2018

Click here to see more of our latest reviews on thespyinthestalls.com

A Modest Little Man
★★★

Bread and Roses Theatre

Bread and Roses Theatre

Reviewed – 17th January 2019

★★★

“a thought-provoking piece that is distinctly aware of the importance of remembering the past in difficult political climates”

Reviewed by Tatjana Damjanovic

Photography by Mark Thomas

A Modest Little Man

Bread and Roses Theatre until 26th January

Last ten shows reviewed at this venue:

The Buzz | ★★★ | May 2018

Once a Year on Blackpool Sands | ★★★★ | June 2018

Richard II | ★★ | August 2018

Like Lions | ★★★★ | October 2018

Metamorphosis | ★★★★ | October 2018

Testament | ★★★★ | October 2018

The Enemies | ★★★ | October 2018

The Gap | ★★★★ | October 2018

Baby Blues | ★★★ | December 2018

Two Of A Kind | ★★★ | January 2019

Click here to see more of our latest reviews on thespyinthestalls.com