Reviewed by Peter Allen
Tonight, the Liverpool Empire hosted Benidorm Live, set in the world-famous Solana Resort in sunny Spain. Obviously, the Solana Resort was made famous due to its 10 commissioned series on TV. The original series was written by Derren Litten and tonight’s performance was brought to us with a great cast of regulars, including 6 from the final series.
The plot starts with a wealth of gags as a rather posh couple, Ben and Sophie (Bradley Clarkson & Tricia Adele-Turner) enter into the shabby Hotel Solana. The couple, expecting an excellent service, from the 4… sorry 3.5-star Hotel are initially met by the Spanish speaking, and rather rude receptionist Ricky (Will Jennings). Things go from bad to worse and the hotel manager, Joyce Temple-Savage (Sherrie Hewson) is forced to make an appearance to quell the damage caused. As the regulars enter the stage a huge rapture of applause is thrown upon them from every corner of the theatre. It was obvious that the people of Liverpool are great fans of the TV show.
Over the first few sets we are slowly introduced to the full cast, including the hilarious Tony Maudsley’s Kenneth and Adam Gillen’s Liam, proprietors of the Blow’N’Go salon who both provide the most outrageous laughs for all to bare. The dress and campness of both the characters are a joy to behold and they certainly stole the show.
We were soon to learn that the once might Hotel Solano is in big trouble and unknown to most of the staff, it is alleged that a mystery couple are in the hotel as inspectors. If the hotel failed the test then it could be shut forever!
All the staff then concentrate their energy on the mysterious posh couple, Ben and Sophie and as usual the wonderful and entertaining Jake Canuso, with his ripped physique brings his character Mateo into full lecherous mode. Of course, we can’t forget Jacqueline, the 60s swinger played by the wonderful Janine Duvitski, whose sexual appetite is the forefront of some gloriously filthy gags which she shared with her bestie – Derek (Damian Williams).
We were entertained throughout the show by the singing exploits of Asa Elliot, Neptune Bars resident singer and the lovely Shelly Longworths hotel worker character Sam.
Throughout the show I can honestly say there was not one fluffed line as the characters adorned the stage as good as a filmed episode upon the TV. The dances were well choreographed with just enough to give us a tickle.
For me, it was a HOLA lotta laughs and was an ideal showing time, it didn’t go on forever and for that I am not surprised that the cast received a standing ovation at the end. I have no doubt that this show will pack out the Empire for the duration of its stay as this is right up the street of the local “Scousers” of Liverpool.
I would give the show 5/5 stars and it is an excellent value for money, even for those who have never watched the show on TV.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £12 to £54 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
Benidorm is at the Liverpool Empire from 12-17 November 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
