The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel At Theatre Royal Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Linda Curtain

‘Adventure before dementia’ will certainly be my new mantra having watched the amazing stage production of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the Theatre Royal Plymouth last evening! What a fantastic, uplifting show! Having enjoyed the 2011 film, I was excited and intrigued to see how the story would transfer to the stage and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

The basic storyline is about a group of retirees who – disillusioned with the care and support of the more elderly section of the community in England – embark on a journey to India to enjoy their senior years. And what an adventure they have!

With easy, nearby parking and situated on a main bus route, access to the theatre is problem free. The theatre was extremely busy last evening and the foyer cafe – serving pre-show beverages and cakes – was abuzz with customers eagerly awaiting this much acclaimed show. The ever helpful front of house staff welcomed everyone and ensured they knew how to locate their seats.

Once the show began we were immediately transported to India with such authentic scenery and background music. The rather ramshackled Marigold Hotel, which had once been a stunning property, was now in desperate need of repair. In order to utilise the building, a decision was made to turn it into a retirement hotel, initially catering for group of seven elderly disillusioned Brits. Fun, laughter, pain and heartache were all displayed as each character settled in and gradually revealed their own backstory.

With a large cast, the combination of retirees with the Indian workers at the hotel plus the youngsters at the local call centre worked well to show the differences in their cultures.

Paul Nicholas and Eileen Battye – as henpecked husband Douglas and overbearing wife Jean – worked well to show some boredom in their marriage. Belinda Lang as Madge was the glamour Brit full of sass and hunting for a rich Indian husband – great comedy timing and risqué comments! Graham Seed played Norman – a rather typical elderly gent and Dorothy – played by Paola Dionisotti – was a somewhat elusive character with a surprising backstory. The stars of the show for me however were Evelyn – played by Tessa Peake-Jones – whose confidence and character grew in her new surroundings and the wonderful Muriel played by Marlene Sidaway – such an incredible portrayal of an elderly lady who you couldn’t help but watch all the time to see what she would do next! Hotel owners Mrs Kapoor and her son Sonny along with all the other Indian workers added a great atmosphere to the production.

This great cast brought such passion and feeling to the story which, in addition to the great comedy elements, had serious undertones and highlighted numerous issues about growing old in England.

The humour around the call centre scene was good and showed the importance of these places to the younger Indian community. Authentic costuming and beautiful Indian music and dancing was a fitting end to the production.
An amazing show about embracing life to the full! When is the next plane leaving!!!!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £18

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth until Sat.22nd April.
Limited tickets available from theatreroyal.com