Derren Litten's smash hit ITV comedy Benidorm is set to bring sunshine and smiles to the UK next year. The the first-ever stage version will perform at theatres around the country including the Regent Theatre, in Stoke and the New Alexandra Theatre, in Birmingham.
Litten has written an all new set of Alicante escapades for the much-loved cast members, including Jake Canuso (Mateo), Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (Liam), Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (Sam), and Tony Maudsley (Kenneth) 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've loved 10 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 nine o'clock on cold winter evenings."
ITV's 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, a 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 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.
Upcoming arena tours
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.
The show will be produced for the stage by Michael Harrison and David Ian. Tickets are on sale for ATG Theatre Card members on Thursday, November 30 and general sale Monday, December 4. Tickets are available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or visiting www.atgtickets.com
