Edinburgh Playhouse – until 22 September 2018
Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan
5*****
‘Hilarious from start to finish, innuendoes you would expect just like the show….. a must see’
I am sure everyone has seen the TV show Benidorm and laughed at the characters of both the staff and clientele who visit the resort of Benidorm. The key characters are introduced very early on in the stage production with Joyce Temple-Savage (played by Sheree Hewson) receiving a warm welcome from the audience as she saunters out of the office to greet a couple who have been sent to the hotel after an overbooking. As she changes and adapts her character from the down to earth common character to a very well spoken posh manageress who tries to impress her guests and welcome them to the not so 4 star hotel…. Well, 3 star hotel. The story follows the guests who are not impressed with the staff of facilities on offer during their 2 day stay whilst meeting the range of characters who work within the complex.
We all know Jacqueline (played by Janine Divitski) and her preferences in the bedroom department and her keen interests in swingers. She mistakenly misunderstands Ben (played by Bradley Clarkson) when he comments that his wife Sophie (Played by Tricia Adele-Turner) liked females before marrying him. The response and laughter from the audience is a joy to hear as the laughter and giggles can be heard throughout the show.
Without giving the storyline a way you can be rest assured that all your favourite characters can be seen with fantastic performances from Mateo (Jake Canuso) as he charms the women and the audience with his charm and sexual advances to whoever he feels will fall for him to Liam (played by Adam Gillen) as he defends his sexuality whilst worry about his dad who is in prison in the UK. Then we have the unforgettable character Kenneth (played by Tony Maudsley) the resorts top hair stylist who is as flamboyant and camp as he could possibly be to the down to earth Sam (played by Shelley Longworth) who works as a rep and also one of the evening performers.
This show is a must see and will leave you with sore sides from laughing throughout the entire performances. It was definitely worth the standing ovation it was given from the audience. Well done Derren Litten