Proving life does get a second act
Based on the bestseller which inspired the hit film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life.
The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways.
Currently on a UK tour before hitting the West End, the play has a starry cast led by Belinda Lang (2 Point 4 Children, Oklahoma!), Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar, Just Good Friends, EastEnders), Tessa Peake-Jones (Only Fools and Horses) and Graham Seed (The Archers, The Mousetrap).
Nicholas plays Douglas, who the actor describes as someone ‘somewhat dominated’ by his wife.
‘He’s been married quite a long time, and there’s a romantic element to the part in that he finds solace with a woman named Evelyn even at the ripe old age of 70-plus. It’s nice to show that romantic side to a couple in their later years.’
Can he relate to him at all? I understand him for sure,’ he laughs. ‘That doesn’t mean I’m dominated by my wife, although I have been married for 50 years so there must be a little bit of that in there somewhere. Also, you can tell if something is written with empathy and understanding and this is definitely that. You have to find a little of yourself in everything you do.’
Explaining the story’s appeal he says: ‘Obviously, it appeals to an older audience. Well, it appeals across the board but particularly to older people because of the characters and the themes. And, people can get to far-flung places much easier these days. It’s cheaper to go and live abroad, especially now, and the idea of moving around the world isn’t so alien to older people. So, the older generation can relate to that aspect as well as the dialogue and what the characters are going through. You get all the foibles of being older, which audiences recognise within themselves – such as the various ailments you become aware of – but there’s also the message that you don’t have to give up on life.
‘You can still have a lot of fun, and you can still go places and enjoy yourself. That’s a really positive message.’
It is at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from May 23-27. Tickets £17.50-39.50. Go to mayflower.org.uk/.