Reviewed by Debbie Lowndes
Last night (24/09/18 – opening night) we visited the Regent Theatre in Stoke to review Benidorm live. We have been waiting this day for months. My husband and daughter are massive fans and have watched every single episode at least twice and it still continues to get them belly laughing.
The theatre had gone to a lot of effort for the Benidorm live tour. They had a cocktail bar in the foyer serving cocktails, gin and prosecco. Staff were wearing Hawaiian decor. The theatre was really busy with a buzzing atmosphere.
We located our seats ahead of the performance. The stage setting was an amazing recreation of the hotel. Well this is what we had been waiting for the performance began.
Familiar faces received a warm welcome from the audience as the took to the stage and rightly so – they were amazing! The audience ranged in age and sex. The theatre was a sell out!
Sherrie Hewson’s Joyce Temple-Savage stepped out of her office, a fabulous but fraught figure – just the way you remember her on telly. She was worried by the news that the Solana was being considered for a takeover with everyone’s jobs at risk. Sherrie preforms in her same funny sassy manner, whilst showing her sensitive side. All of the time she manages to keep a straight face.
The performance does come with an element of romance as to be expected within the sunshine holiday environment. This is in the form of delightful Shelley Longworth – Sam. Her vocals are spot on when she belts out songs such as Faith Hill’s There You’ll Be in the expected location of Neptune’s. The stage setting for this was the real deal and obviously open for business-like on the telly.
Led by the fine vocals of resident Asa Elliott releasing out classic tunes such as Livin’ La Vida Loca, Don’t Stop Believin’ and curtain call Y Viva Espana. This did not disappoint and got the audience rocking. Entertainment at its very best.
Bring back the holiday memories as you watch – get your cocktail ordered – pink pussy is recommended by Jacqueline! If needing food, one could always order Sausage in Cider again highly recommended by Jacqueline (Janine Duvitski). Plus, don’t forget to whack on your factor 50 and be prepared for nonstop laughter and great entertainment.
The scenes in Blow and go were fabulousss. Kenneth (Tony Maudsley) and Liam (Adam Green) will have you in stitches. I loved Kenneth’s hairdryer handbag, so so camp he he. Kenneth’s outfits are great and always make me laugh – we love you Kenneth!!
Liam is a true entertainer with every step. I loved the scene in Neptune’s when her orders a guest to sway in a deep voice. His legs and body and non-stop across the stage, once again that will have you tickled pink.
Yes we must not forget the one and only woman magnet – Mateo (Jake Canuso) wow wow! His flamingo dancing had me in awe. Well his body is great he must work hard to maintain. Be assured it does look good on the stage especially in the briefs! I must also mention the actors playing Ben, Sophie, Ricky and Derek, they were great and entertained too.
All stage setting and scenes were truly Benidorm live style, camp, sexy, cheesy and hilarious.
I am sure this performance will make everyone chuckle even the most miserable people. Get your tickets booked and be prepared to laugh your cares away for one evening. Amazing, let yourselves go and get singing and dancing along with the cast.
What a cast! The theatre tour will be remembered for years to come and be a hot topic within conversation for a while.
This is that good I would not turn down an offer for a second visit. Long live Benidorm.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £12.50 to £54 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
Benidorm is at the Regent Theatre in Stoke from 24-29 September 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre or call the box office on 0844 871 7649.
Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649
