Based on the Sunday Times bestseller that inspired the much-loved film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a rag-tag group of British retirees as they settle in what is promised to be a residential paradise, perfect for adventure and new opportunities. They find disappointment with foul food and run-down accommodation, but endure as they begin to fall in love with their new home and their new neighbours, local and pensioner alike.
Tessa Peake-Jones plays Evelyn, with not only that classic stiff British upper lip, but with a warmth and openness that brings some touching and memorable moments, Especially with Paul Nicholas’ Douglas. A man with a heavy mind but rarely has the chance to voice his thoughts thanks to his assertive and pretentious wife Jean, played by Eileen Battye.
Rekha John-Cheriyan and Nishad More produce a hilarious mother and son relationship as Mrs Kapoor and Sonny. Their familial chemistry is very natural and real, which makes it easy for us to root for Sonny and his dream of managing the hotel, if it nearly destroys his relationship with his girlfriend Sahani, portrayed by Shila Igbal.
When we meet Belinda Lang’s Madge, we know exactly the type of this woman is: A man-eater. Headstrong and unapologetic, Lang serves continuous hilarity throughout the production and gains the heart of smooth talking Mr Gupta played by Tiran Aakel, who doubles as the contrastingly chaotic and alcoholic cook of the hotel.
Graham Seed’s Norman is dapper, but in a desperate kind of way. We watch him struggle as a recently single man, unsure on how to act as he seeks approval from younger women and fails miserably.
Paola Dionisotti delivers an exceptional performance of Dorothy, a woman chasing her past. She has some wonderful moments with Kriss Donsanjh, who plays an old childhood friend Jimmy. Marlene Sidaway’s initially prickly and difficult Muriel recognises herself in Anant Varman’s character, leading to a notable discussion on the class system.
The ensemble provides various other characters, from call centre employees to hotel staff. They help flesh out the ongoing themes of the production.
Deborah Moggach writes characters who we are familiar with. We’ve all met these stereotypes in real life, but Moggach grants each of them with individual experiences and insight. Which makes it easier for the audience to root for them and feel for them all the same.
Colin Richmond’s set is gorgeous, there’s a sense of depth onstage and each inch of it is used by the actors, which is a testament to Lucy Bailey’s direction. The Devil is in the detail with ultraviolet bug lights, chairs, pots and plants littered across the space adds to the idea of this hotel being used and lived in.
The sound scaping of traffic and birdsong perfectly encapsulates the hustle and bustle of India’s streets. Kuljit Bhamra’s music enhances key moments throughout the production. Blending Indian Classical, British Bhangra, and Bollywood styles to create a variety of moods from playful to haunting. Bhamra’s compositions support the production, lifting it in moments where the performance feels a little flat.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a gentle, charming show with lovable characters we can’t help but root for as they break the cliche of slowing down in their old age and taking on the next, if it be, final adventures in their lives.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is running at His Majesty’s Theatre, from the 6th-8th of April 2023.
Get your tickets here –
https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/the-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/#book
Theatre Scotland 
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