Although residents of the Solana hotel have drunk their last sangria on the small screen, North East fans of the hit ITV comedy Benidorm can rejoice because Benidorm Live, the new stage show based on the TV programme will premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal in one month’s time, starring six of the original TV cast.
Set to bring a heady dose of Spanish sunshine and smiles to Newcastle audiences, the first ever stage version of Derren Litten’s award-winning ITV comedy Benidorm Live opens on Friday 7 September at Newcastle Theatre Royal prior to a major national tour. It will run for two weeks until Saturday 15 September.
Six members of the TV cast, all much loved stars from the infamous Solana Hotel, will perform in the hotly anticipated new show. Swapping the poolside for the stage after a quick spruce at the Blow ‘n’ Go! will be everyone’s favourites Jake Canuso (local lothario barman Mateo), Janine Duvitski (middle aged swinger Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (holidaying teenager Liam), Sherrie Hewson (Solana manageress Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (loud mouthed lassie Sam), and Tony Maudsley (flamboyantly camp hairdresser Kenneth).
The show is also co-produced by Newcastle’s own Michael Harrison, the wunderkind behind our spectacular annual pantomime and West End hits The Bodyguard, Gypsy, Sunset Boulevard, Annie and Young Frankenstein.
Last year ITV’s smash-hit comedy celebrated a decade of all-inclusive hilarity, having followed the ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff for nine series since the first episode in 2007. Season 10 was broadcast earlier this year and the final ever episode aired on 2 May 2018.
Critically acclaimed, Benidorm has received two National Television Awards, a TV Quick Award and nominations at the British Comedy Awards and BAFTAs.
Benidorm Live premieres at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Fri 7 Sep 2018 and runs until Sat 15 Sep, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets are from £16.50 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk