The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at Little Theatre Leicester Review
Written by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Namaste from Bangalore in India where seven British retirees arrive at the ‘Charmingly shabby’ Marigold Hotel. Based on the 2011 comedy film of the same name starring Dame Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Dame Maggie Smith, the Leicester Drama Society provided a garland of messages, morals and marigolds in their first show of the Autumn/Winter season at Leicester’s Little Theatre.
Directed by Lynn Moore, this production is perfect for the city of Leicester, where the city's affiliation with India, as well as its large Asian population, makes it the ideal audience and setting for this production to take centre stage this September.
Wonky signs, broken chairs and flapping shutters greet the unlikeable characters (or ‘ancient monuments’ that they name themselves) that have flown in from England ready for the trip of a lifetime and to enjoy some relaxation.
But unfortunately, from the moment they arrive at The Marigold Hotel, they realise it has a little left to be desired. The Marigold Hotel is run by Mrs Kapoor, played by Ketna Butron, and her son Sonny, played by Bhav Bhella, who after their beloved husband and father’s death have different ideas on how to run the hotel.
Ketna and Bhav play the mother and son duo really well, and there are many hilarious moments, particularly during the scenes in the office of the hotel. This is Bhav’s stage debut, and he performed incredibly well! The hotel is falling apart at the seams, and they don’t have a decent chef so Sonny and his mother have to deal with the grumpy pensioners from England.
Leading the group is Norman, played by Carolos Dandolo, who is superb in his role and constantly has the audience in a fit of giggles. His monologues were some of the funniest parts of the evening! There is comedy throughout the night from Helen Gronhaug who plays Madge and Alison Kisby who plays Evelyn. Both play their roles fantastically well and the scenes where Evelyn is at the call centre making new friends are standout points in the production.
The well-known film is used as inspiration and there are some lines used from the film as well as running themes, including poverty and racism as well as a light sprinkling of humour. Relationships are explored and developed as the weeks turn into months and the mystery surrounding Dorothy, played by Katy Weaver, reveals itself during the second act.
Twinkling lights, tinsel and trestle tables adorn the stage at various moments, but the scenery used for the backdrop throughout the evening is spectacular. Phil Newman’s Scene Design has creatively imagined the various sets and scenes and it is breathtaking to spot all the details which provide The Marigold Hotel with realism and authenticity.
As the pensioners and hotel staff realise it is never too late to embark on a new adventure. That message was heard loud and clear and I would highly recommend going to see this production at Leicester’s Little Theatre before it ends its run on Saturday 13th September 2025.
★★★★
