‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” At Nottingham Theatre Royal Review

Reviewed by Tonya Glennester

Having Read the book and seen the Movie version my excitement for seeing the play adaption has had me positively busting at the seems for weeks, I am so glad to say I was not disappointed.

The Curtain Rises up and you are instantly transported to Bangalore, the stage wide set of the Marigold hotel itself has several levels, the garden being the stage floor, a small set of steps leads into the ground floor areas of the hotel, and a split staircase to the right side of the stage leads to the kitchen and the second floor balcony, where the guests of the marigold can sometimes spy on what’s happening in the gardens.

The set lighting highlights different parts of the stag and hotel, changing to reflect night and day, as well as setting the mood of each scene, along with some atmospheric smoke giving the impression of steam rising from the hotel in the heat, it really gives you that feel of being there to the point you can almost smell the spices in the air.

The Cast comprises of 14 actors/actresses with 2 members playing multiple characters.

‘Tiran Aakel’ plays 2 different characters and ‘Kris Dosanjh’ plays 3, each character played perfectly.

All the Cast members have a full repertoire of theatre, television and movie history.

Hayley Mills, Paul Nicholas, Rula Lenska, Eileen Battye, Richenda Carey, Rehkha John-Cheriyan,

Andy De La Tour, Shila Iqbal, Kerena Jagpal, Nishad More, and Marlene Sidaway all played there characters beautifully. Each characters personality really shone through, whether it be outgoing and boisterous or timid and softly spoken, you really felt the energy of each performance.

The play by Deborah Moggach is based on her Novel ‘These Foolish Things’ which inspired the Movie of ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ and has now been adapted for the theatre. The idea she wanted to portray in her Novel was to show the readers/audience what life is like for the older person, not concentrating on the perspectives of strokes, dementia, health and bereavement; But that even in old age you are still living life, that the world is still full of possibilities, and New Journeys. I think that this definitely comes across with in the play adaption.

The play covers a lot of emotions from the various love connections and disconnections, to the stirring of childhood memories, the thought of whether you loosing your mind, as well as the adventure of trying new things and daring to step out of your comfort zones into new adventure. there is plenty of Frank conversation as well as cheeky humour, including the occasional jive at various political parties, but all still in good taste, there was plenty of laughter from a captive audience.

If I could rate it at 100 hundred I would but sadly I’m only allowed to score out of 10 to which I definitely say 10 out of 10.

This show is a must see! I would recommend seating towards the centre or left side of the theatre so you can get the full benefit of the stage Set and performances.

And always remember “Adventure before Dementia”

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime. www.marigoldshow.com

LISTINGS INFORMATION

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 February 2023

Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Wed & Thu matinees 2pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm

£20 to £45 plus discounts for Royal Members*, Under 26s, and Groups www.trch.co.uk Box Office 0115 989 5555