The official world premiere of Derren Litten’s smash hit ITV comedy Benidorm is set to bring sunshine and smiles to Newcastle Theatre Royal on Friday 7th September next year prior to a major national tour. The show will be produced for the stage by Michael Harrison and David Ian.
Litten has written an all new set of Alicante escapades for much-loved cast members as they swap sangria for stotties and head to Newcastle International 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’ve loved ten years of writing my TV show Benidorm but despite a successful writing career I’m first and foremost a performer so have always been secretly frustrated I couldn’t hear the audience’s laughter. This national tour of Benidorm Live will not only make a long lasting dream come true but will also mean I no longer have to stand in strangers gardens listening at their windows at 9 o’clock on cold winter evenings.”
ITV’s smash-hit comedy celebrates a decade of all-inclusive hilarity, having followed the ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff for nine series since it first broadcast in 2007. Season 10 is due to broadcast early 2018. Critically acclaimed, Benidorm has received two National Television Awards and TV Quick Award and nominations at the British Comedy Awards and BAFTAs.
After leaving school in Hull in the late 1980s, Derren Litten spent a year working as a professional magician while auditioning for drama schools. He won a place on the three-year acting course at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama where he met fellow student Catherine Tate. After ten 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. Derren was given a script commission by legendary comedy producer the late Geoffrey Perkins, who said “Just write anything you want as long as it’s funny.” That show turned out to be ITV’s BAFTA-nominated hit comedy Benidorm.
Full casting and tour dates to be announced. See www.benidormonstage.com to stay up to date.
