The doors are open, the desk is manned and reservations are welcomed at The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!

But nervous travellers (or perhaps those who may not have the time to up sticks and head off to the other side of the globe at short notice) are not to worry as this September the lavish, luxury residence is coming to Brighton. A spell at the Theatre Royal from September 20th-24th will see some reunited with old friends whilst others, including us at SOURCE, will meet the unlikely fellowship in charge for the first time.

Adapted by writer Deborah Moggach from her bestselling 2004 novel These Foolish Things, the story follows a motley group of eclectic British retirees as they embark on a new life in India at an opulent and exotic retirement home… Only to arrive and find the residence not quite as it was advertised. “There’s something about the story that just gets you,” says Hayley Mills who stars in the production. “It’s very truthful and it deals with lots of different issues – such as getting older, being on your own – whilst being tremendously hopeful. It’s a reminder that where there’s life there’s hope.”

Directed by Lucy Bailey (Witness For the Prosecution, Oleanna, Gaslight) the show boasts a cast that includes Andy de la Tour (Notting Hill), Marlene Sidaway (ITV’s Coronation Street, BBC 1’s Pride And Prejudice), Rekha John-Cheriyan (Kerbs, Tomb Raider, Dream Horse) as well as Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar, Eastenders), Rula Lenska (ITV’s Rock Follies, Coronation Street) and of course Hayley Mills, best known for her roles in Pollyanna, The Parent Trap and Whistle Down The Wind. What is it in particular that attracted her to this production?

“I absolutely loved the script and there wasn’t a shadow of a doubt about wanting to do it. I love the play, the writing, the part and I’m mad about the director, Lucy Bailey. It’s a wonderful play and Deborah Moggach is a great writer.” At the heart of the story is a message of positivity and hope, encouraging in its openness and inspiring in its outlook. “It’s a reminder that starting a new life is always possible. I don’t necessarily mean finding another love or another marriage, it’s more about finding a new lease of life, new interests, a new joie de vivre.”

Mills plays the role of Evelyn Greenshade in the production – a part depicted by Judi Dench in the UK box-office topping 2012 film. “Judi is a consummate actress. I could watch her all day, even reading the telephone directory,” says Mills of her role’s previous inhabitant. Does she, therefore, find these daunting footsteps to follow in? “If I dwelled upon it then yes, but I don’t. That’s what is so fascinating about this business I’m lucky to be in: everyone brings their own experiences and understanding to a role.”

And this personal and personable touch is what this production thrives on. A tightly knit group of individuals with their own histories and dreams of the future meeting and facing adversity together. A night of optimism and escapism, a welcome tonic for many of us during these trying times. “I hope audiences will feel infused with hope about the future. The world has gone through some very tough times but I believe in the goodness of the human race,” says Mills. “I believe in our incredible ingenuity. We just all have to play our part and do what we can.”

We’ve booked our stay at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Will you?

Theatre Royal Brighton, Tuesday 20th September – Saturday 24th September 2022
For tickets and further information click here