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 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. On making its transfer 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 hit comedy celebrates a decade of 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.
After leaving school in Hull in the late 1980’s Derren Litten spent a year working as a professional magician while auditioning for drama schools. He won a place on the 3 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. After co-writing and appearing in 2 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.
Full casting and tour dates to be announced (picture features TV cast).
Newcastle Theatre Royal, 7 - 15 September, 2018. Tickets here.
