Leeds Playhouse – until 18 February 2023
Reviewed by Katie Brewerton
4****
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel comes to Leeds! This new adaption of the novel by Deborah Moggach tells the story of a struggling hotel in India. After Sonny’s (Nishad Moore) father passes away he finds himself responsible for the crumbling hotel which has been in his family for many years, being in debt and struggling to fix all the never ending list of problems he has an idea. Together with his mother (Reckha John-Cheriyan) they turn the hotel in to a retirement community for elderly English people looking for a new adventure or looking to settle somewhere exotic. Upon arrival they soon realise the hotel is not as it appears in the photos as a variety of maintinence issues come to light. Sonny and his mother struggle to keep the hotel running while Sonny also battles with his responsibilities at the hotel while trying to keep a relationship going with Sahani (Shila Iqbal) without his mother finding out. When it seems there may be no choice other than to sell the hotel the elderly guests and their new friends must rally to try to save what has become their home.
The wonderful guests in the hotel each bring their own story to the stage, including Evelyn, played by Oscar, winner Hayley Mills who overcomes her worries about leaving the hotel to gain a whole host of new friends. Douglas (played by understudy Adam Morris during this performance) and Jean (Eileen Battye), husband and wife who want to explore as much as they can but who are having troubles or their own behind the scenes and a whole host of other fasinating characters. We see how their lives become entwined and they begin to see each other as a family.
The cast is fantastic, with a host of experienced and talented performers this is a show not to be missed. Embarking on it’s first tour and with a beautiful set this is a show full of laughter and romance The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a wonderful story showing you are never too old to have an adventure or find love.