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BENIDORM LIVE!

@ Sunderland Empire

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Derren Litten’s smash hit ITV comedy BENIDORM is set to bring sunshine and smiles to the UK and Ireland as the first ever stage version of the ITV comedy today announces an extension into 2019 after scorching sales for 2018’s sun-baked dates. Benidorm Live already has audiences across the country rushing to book their tickets for one of the year’s most anticipated theatre events, and today confirms dates at Sunderland Empire, 14-19 January 2019. The show is produced for the stage by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

Litten has written an all new set of Alicante escapades for the much-loved cast members, including Jake Canuso (Mateo), Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (Sam), Tony Maudsley (Kenneth) and Neptune’s very own Asa Elliott as they swap sangria for the stage next year after a quick spruce at the Blow ‘n’ Go!

Benidorm – Live will be the stage debut production of the hugely popular TV show, and on making its transfer, writer Derren Litten said:

“I am blown away by the reaction to the Benidorm Live tour and so thrilled that we will be visiting more cities so even more people can enjoy the madness I’ve prepared!  This is like an exclusive, extended live action episode of Benidorm you can only see if you come to the theatre, it’s also the nearest you’ll get to going on holiday with the cast!

When theatres were first asking what kind of show this would be I struggled to tell producers Michael Harrison and David Ian, mainly because I didn’t know myself.  Now I have written the show, well, I’m still not sure how to describe it, is it a musical?  Not really.  Do the cast sing?  Yes they do!  Is it a play?  Yes of course but the audience are also involved in the performance!

I’m not really into self-congratulation but I have to say this is the most hilarious, outrageous Benidorm script I have ever written.  And now it’s going to be handed over to director Ed Curtis and our amazing cast who I know are going to make it even better.   We’ve waited a long time to do this show but the time is definitely right.  I declined offers a few years ago to do the show in arenas because I don’t think huge, cold, draughty spaces the size of aircraft hangers are particularly conducive to comedy – why would people want to leave their homes to watch Benidorm on a screen?  My only regret is, as an actor, is I didn’t write a part or myself.  Maybe I should put myself forward as an understudy?  I think I’d make a great Joyce Temple-Savage.

I’ve written a book called The Benidorm Diaries which will be on sale in the theatres during the tour, it’s basically the story of how I came to write the show and stories of the crazy things that happened day to day while filming in Spain; maybe I’ll turn up at some of the venues and sign a few copies for the fans?  That might be a more respectable way to join the gang on tour rather than hiding in one of Sherrie Hewson’s suitcases.”

ITV’s smash-hit comedy celebrates a decade of all-inclusive hilarity, having followed the ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff for ten series since it first broadcast in 2007 and is currently being broadcast in the UK.

Critically acclaimed, Benidorm has received two National Television Awards a TV Quick Award and nominations at the British Comedy Awards and BAFTAs.

After leaving school in Hull in the late 1980’s Derren Litten spent a year working as a professional magician whilst auditioning for drama schools.  He won a place on the 3 year acting course at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama where he met fellow student Catherine Tate.  After 10 years of working as an actor, Derren was asked by Catherine to write for her newly commissioned TV sketch show, The Catherine Tate Show; in which he also appeared in many of the sketches.  After co-writing and appearing in two series and a Christmas Special, Derren was given a script commission by legendary comedy producer Geoffrey Perkins, “just write anything you want as long as it’s funny” he said; that show turned out to be ITV’s BAFTA nominated hit comedy Benidorm. Derren’s hobbies include drinking and karaoke, usually in that order. He splits his time equally between homes in London and Spain.

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