The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Reviews

Edward from Brighton,

SUPERB!

Joyous, heartwarming story - beautifully cast and acted. You will come away feeling so much better!

Rebecca from Brighton,

VERY GOOD

Cast was excellent and funny.

Chris from Brighton from Brighton,

LOVED IT

A thoroughly feel good, enjoyable show, came away smiling.

Evelyn from Glasgow,

DELIGHTFUL PERFORMANCE

Visited Theatre Royal in Glasgow this evening to see first night of this tour here. Excellent adaptation of the story with such a great and experienced cast. I hope the house is fuller for them over the coming days. Worth an evening out!

A M Carter from Brighton,

REALLY ENJOYED IT

I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did but it was a lovely afternoon of good acting. A joyful production - reminding me of how much I love visiting my ancestral home.

Janet Osborne from Chichester, Sussex

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE

Unlike some other reviews, we thoroughly enjoyed this play, as did the rest of the sold out theatre. The sound quality was perfect (we were sat mid stalls) and all actors were brilliant. One of the most enjoyable plays that we have seen at Chichester Festival Theatre!

Martin Spencer from Nottingham

EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT

Super play great story and great acting. A lovely enjoyable evening at the Theatre Royal Nottingham

B WILLIAMS from Birmingham,

BRILLIANT

The play was gentle easy to follow plus had plenty of opportunity for a good old belly laugh plus some poignant and sad moments which fitted into the storyline seamlessly Paid reference to the film without trying to emulate it which would not have been possible . Loved every minute from start to finish

TJ from Brighton,

FUNNY TOUCHING AND FUN

we saw this last night with Rula lenska and Hayley Mills…both superb…and really enjoyed it. Beautifully written and directed… the set is stunning too. Lovely music and lots of humour. Well worth the ticket price.

Trish from Glasgow,

MIXED FEELINGS

The first half I found disappointing, and to be honest I could have fallen asleep. There was nothing to keep me wanting to continue watching despite having Hayley Mills and Rula Lenska . I don't think it was the actors, it just seemed a poor script. The sound quality didn't help either and at the interval I found there were quite a few complaints about it. The scenery though was outstanding and the second part I found definitely more entertaining and must say it turned out very enjoyable indeed after such a poor start.

Dougie Wilson from Glasgow,

VERY GOOD

Beautifully performed and thoroughly enjoyable although the sound could have been clearer.

Jane from West Sussex

THINK SCRIPT LET THE CAST DOWN

Chichester Festival Theatre .. The set looked very promising especially i’in the round ‘ ,opening scenes very promising ,all the cast were convincing, Hayley Mills,Rula Lenska ,Paul Nicholas and Marlene Sidaway as delightful Muriel gave their all ,the full house was enthusiastic , and gave a rapturous applaud ,sadly comments as the audience left the conversations were mostly of the same content ‘Great performances by an energetic elderly cast ,glamour and great dancing by the younger cast members sadly script a little disappointing and made it seem an Ok show rather than a Great one .Overall ,entertaining and enjoyable but sadly left us disappointed.

Elizabeth from Birmingham,

MARIGOLD

Gorgeous theatre staff attentive bar lounge area fab with live relaxing piano music but please no plastic cups unless actually taking drinks away. The show stage 'set' was lovely and transferred you right away, we found the opening interesting, captive and amusing. The actor performances were spot on given this is a difficult show to follow the actual film in first place Found the script narrative little slow in places at start but better second half we did have to leave at one point for a while to get some fresh air as stage smoke haze effect just too much and everyone was coughing ! apart from that it was an entertaining experience, bit laid back in parts yes but we are watching a show about UK pensioners in India, so no need to be full on west end style all time. Would we recommend ? yes for those who appreciate fighting off old age with laughter and can relax, its a must to see.

Jane from Brighton,

GOOD IN PARTS, BUT COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH BETTER.

The first act is a bit disjointed and pretty dire. A few laughs just about keep it going, but I was longing for the interval. In the second act the action comes together and there are one or two really touching scenes, and a couple of good set pieces which went down well with the audience. If you’ve seen the film, the characters are slightly confusing because they are not the same. The set is excellent, really setting the scene. It’s hard to say why this play doesn’t quite ignite, as it has good actors, but I think it’s the script. It is too much played for laughs and not enough emphasis on the emotional side of the characters. One more point- the sound from where I was sitting wasn’t good, the actors need to project more.

Natasha from Brighton,

ADVENTURE BEFORE DEMENTIA

The biggest thing this play has to overcome is that it's impossible not to compare it to the fantastic film adaptation. I was inevitably finding myself comparing and it did make me want to go back and watch the film but the play does have its own charms as well; led by a fantastic cast who all gave stellar performances (especially Rula Lenska playing Madge and a shouout to Julie Wood who understudied as Jean). The set is absolutely beautiful; a full hotel built on the stage and is a joy to look at. The only staging direction I question is the sheer amount of things that take place to the far left of the stage, right by the curtain. The effect was that, as my seat was 3 seats from the far left in the Royal circle, many times I could not see the actors at all. I felt bad for the people in the left boxes! Despite these niggles, the play was charming, the actors phenomenal and the humour was on point. It's a wonderful love letter that reminds us that life doesn't end when you get old. 3 1/2 stars!

Liz Burns from Glasgow,

REVIEW

Very disappointing performance due to the sound system. We could hardly hear the performers. A lot of people were complaining. I was also disappointed with my seat but fortunately as the theatre was not busy was able to change where I sat.

Mary from Glasgow,

SLOW FIRST HALF BUT EXCELLENT SECOND HALF

Sound was main problem as could not hear clearly, especially Hayley Mills , which was surprising. Feel unfair of some reviews to try and compare live theatre to the film. First half was uninspiring but really enjoyed second half, very touching moments acted beautifully. Would recommend pensioners to go but doubt if anyone under 60 would enjoy it.

Julia from Truro

RULA LENSKA AND HAYLEY MILLS VERY GOOD

The set was good, and Rula and Hayley were very good which was to be expected. However we didn’t particularly enjoy the first half and I was toting with the idea of leaving in the interval!! The point being rammed home about families not looking after their elderly and the assertion that one of the cast members had dementia and was mad which for some reason some of the audience found funny I found upsetting!! It appeared at times that one of the actresses was forgetting her lines. The second half was much better but tbh not one of the best plays I’ve seen and I vastly preferred the film!!

Grahame Peace from West Yorkshire

SLOW

Having enjoyed the films we saw this at The Lowry theatre on Wednesday. I found the play slow and laboured, the script felt dull, it lacked sparkle, I wasn't engaged. I didn't feel the cast gelled together, the performances felt separate and disjointed, even wooden. The second half was better pulling in music and dance, the show needed more of that.

Michael Pitts from Birmingham,

DISAPOINTING

Had high expectations of this production based on the amount of pre show publicity. We attended the Wednesday afternoon matinee with a near 100% attendance. Obviously the plot had to be similar to the screenplay but surely there could have been a few more original lines. The first half had what I can only describe as wooden acting, with large areas of the stage deserted. The second half was a little better however the constant scene changes needed for relatively short periods of story line were a distraction to the continuity of the production. Overall a disappointing presentation from seasoned actors.

JT from Scotland

TEDIOUS PLAY WITH A WONDERFUL SET!

This felt like a series of tableaux, not a play, which contributed to the overall sense of watching actors, rather than becoming immersed in the story.

Mary Harrison from Brighton,

VERY DISAPPOINTING

The sound was very bad, struggled to hear everything they said. Lacking any enthusiasm, have seen amateur performances far better than this, was very disappointed in Paul Nicholas, was expecting his old charm but didn't see any of it!

Margot Burkhill from Glasgow,

VERY DISAPPOINTED

Sound quality was bad even though you were seated in the stalls.Very slow and certainly not uplifting as was advertised.I guess I expected much better from such accomplished actors.Tiime to retire for them!!!Theatre was not well attended so that says a lot! Shame !

from Brighton,

DISAPPOINTED

Needs a better script. Timing needs improving; several occasions I thought the cast had forgotten their lines. If this is the tour before the West End, it will never make it.

Joe from Truro

DISAPPOINTED

Script could be better! The cast are doing their best although I think the timing could be improved as on several occasions I thought the the cast had forgotten their lines. I don’t think it will ever get to the West End.

Shirley Allen from Norwich.

DISAPPOINTING

Went to see Best Marigold hotel in Norwich. First half so boring and the humour very weak. Did think about leaving in the interval but stayed with it. Thankfully the 2nd half much better and lifted it somewhat but all in all for the money paid it wasn't good value. Have seen many better amateur performances than this. A big disappointment after the brilliant film. If you are debating whether to go or not my advice would be save your money.

Yak53 from Bromley

OH DEAR

Saw this in Bromley. A lot of the disappointing reviews here are, sadly, spot on. The first half is truly poor and moves along so slowly that it was hard to stay awake. The second half is somewhat better. The actors did their best but the script is not good and just not funny. Were the occasional embarrassing gaps in dialogue down to actors forgetting their lines or poor direction? Hayley Mills needs to project her voice more but the performance by Andy de La Tour is worth a mention. The set is very good. Going to the theatre is an expensive outing, don’t waste your money on this production.

Moira M from Woking

BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Watched in Woking last night. It was a very poor script. Lacklustre show. I was very disappointed and almost asleep in the first half. The show was a bit better in the second half but not worth the time or expense.

Kathryn Barkway from Chichester

OVERRATED

Chichester Theatre was full of white over 70s . Thr first half was slow and disjointed saved only by the performance of Rula Lenska. Sadly lack lustre performances by all the other leads. The second half slightly better due to the much better Asian performers. Characterisation and relationship development lacked conviction. A weak script but great set and final dance scene was enjoyable. Terrible comic lines were undoubtedly cringe worthy.

Walker from BIRMINGHAM England

BORING

Saw this show in Birmingham sat in the stalls which was good and unlike other reviews I could hear every word. The first half left ne feeling very depressed with the constant referring to getting old and the amount of times the word death was said being 80 I felt I was at the end of the road. Thought the senery was good but it was the only scenery all through got fed up with them bringing desks on from the side of the stage to make out they were in the call centre. Best part for me was at the end when all the cast came onstage to perform an indian dance. Do yourself a favour and save your money

Carolyn Jenkins from Edinburgh

MARIGOLD HOTEL DISASTER

SO SO disappointing. First half was appalling - slow, dis-jointed and not at all funny. Set good but far too dark. Second half better but overall - script was poor and it was really boring. Not sure how it will ever fly in The West End.

Doug from London, England

DON’T GO

Simply awful. The script is dire, and the actors are accordingly devoid of energy or conviction.

Sue Jacques from London, England

DIRE

Very slow, dreadful script and acting very mediocre

Golden Girls from Worthing

NOT GOOD

The sound was awful, just couldn’t hear what the actors were saying. A lot of the play was acted to the left hand side of the stage & although we were in top priced tickets we couldn’t see it so no sound & nothing to see. The actors didn’t seem to gel it was very amateurish. We left in the interval.

Linda from Worthing

NOT THE BEST TRIP TO THEATRE ROYAL

Could not see a part of the stage from our seats, we were not told they had a restricted view. Could not hear very clearly and some of the acting was not very convincing and lines missed. Disappointed.

Mark from Brighton,

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Embarrassingly awful

Val and Marg Brighton from Brighton,

WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY

This was diabolical, absolutely boring, left at half time.

John from Brighton,

WON'T GET BACK TIME WASTED WATCHING THAT RUBBISH

It was so bad

Pam from Uckfield

TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Agree with Doug. Left before the second half ended - couldn't stand any more.

Gordon from Glasgow,

BORING AND WOODEN

Poor script, half baked acting and not entertaining to watch. Give this a wide berth if you gave any sense. Promised so much and delivered nothing.

Did I like it? from London, England

LEFT AT THE INTERVAL

We found this lacked any real humour. It was very depressing and maybe more for the other 75’s. It sort of followed the actual film, but all the actors just seemed a bit uninterested on what they were doing and saying! We decided to leave at the interval, which we have never done before! Best to save your money, and just watch the real life ones on tv!!!

Jo from Cambridge

I FELL ASLEEP.

I took my mum to see this as we adored the film. It was so slow, the script was awful and couldn't believe at the age of 50, I nodded off! Sound was difficult to hear at the back. We were embarrassed by the old school writing too. Who uses the word 'shirt lifter' these days and referring to a young man parts as being able to 'snap the celery'? If we could have walked we would have.

Al from London, England

DREARY

Couldn't stand any more than the first half. Dreary boring and poor sound quality.

Anne Daniel from The Marlowe Canterbury ,

AWFUL

Totally wooden acting .Very poor sound, dialogue pitiful. Scenery, what scenery? Same set whole time. What a total waste of money and time. We left at the interval as did others

M&S from Nottingham

LEFT AT THE INTERVAL

Saw this production in Feb 2023 at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham. With ticket sales based on the success of the movie, there was an expectation that the plot and energy from the movie would be mirrored. It didn't. Some characters differed from the movie and key set up plots missed (e.g. the background to the importance of the call centre scene). The script was lame and laboured and no conviction from the actors. The delivery of the script was quite wooden (quite surprising, given the cast). Ironically the best/most energetic performances were from the lesser known actors. Given the experience of many of the actors, we were surprised that it was difficult to hear every line and noticed that many of Paul Nicholas’s lines were delivered with his back to the audience. Struggling to maintain interest or stay awake, we left at the interval. A woeful script, production and performance. We wish we'd read these reviews before booking but it is reassuring to know that we are not alone.

Mike H from Birmingham Alexandra , England

OH DEAR! THE WORST MARIGOLD HOTEL.

Some big names try to breathe life into an awful, dull script. Sadly, we gave up half way through the second act. At least we lasted that long, many of the cast had given up before the play started.

Mary Surridge from Birmingham,

INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTING AND POOR

This was the most disappointing play I have seen. Having thoroughly enjoyed the film, I was excited to see how the writers and production company would translate the joyous, and rich, vibrant colour and culture of India - and responses to it of the different characters in the play.. But alas, they failed in every sense. The acting was slow and wooden, with actors 'slowly 'delivering' some very outdated inappropriate, 1950s-like 'jokes'. The characters were not believable and we were not introduced to the complex and various reasons they decided to make the journey - nor how they responded to the change of culture, The set in the first act was dark and more reminiscent of a gothic dungeon than a light-filled, if dilapidated, sunny Indian Palace, I am 75 years old and , while I identify with some of the characters in the film, I could not identify with any of these. I left in the interval because I could not bear to waste another hour of my life watching such a poor performance.

Sana Begum from Birmingham,

HORROR AT BEST

We nodded off in the first 5 minutes. As did most of my row. Having brought tickets for a friend as we absolutely adored the movie we came with high expectations. None were met. Given the vibrancy of the movie, the context, culture and location you would have expected more colour, music and drama but in all honesty there is more life in a funeral parlor compared to this. The dark dingy Gothic background made me think of a horror/thriller. The actors looked almost uncomfortable at times delivering their lines. It was painful to watch. The jokes were cringy, sexist and ageist and had no bearing with the movie. There was no character development or feeling the heart warming emotions that you get from the movie. The only emotion I felt was panic that I would have to stay another hour after the interval. But life is too short so my friend and I decided to make a quick exit at the interval. Best decision ever!

Pauline Cooper from Wolverhampton

DIRE

Absolutely awful, wooden acting, couldn’t wait for the interval to escape. Jokes were outdated and not funny, the actors were going through the motions with no conviction, wish I’d read the reviews and not gone, wasted an hour of my life and worst play I’ve seen in 50 years of theatre.

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