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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  8w, 6m

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous comedy about taking risks, finding love and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    8w, 6m
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, 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.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous comedy about taking risks, finding love and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places.

History
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was first performed at Richmond Theatre on 5 September 2022.
Cast Attributes

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes place in Jaipur, India. The characters of Mr Gupta, Mrs Kapoor, Sahani, Kamila, Jimmy, Sonny Kapoor, Mohan and Tikal are Indian or from surrounding countries and are of South Asian heritage. The actors playing these roles should be cast accordingly. The use of make-up or prosthetics to alter an actor’s ethnicity is prohibited.

EVELYN – in her 70s, polite Home Counties widow
DOUGLAS – early 70s, pleasant and amiable retired teacher. Married to Jean
MADGE – in her 70s. Brassy, a bit vulgar but a lot of fun. Ran her own fashion business
MR GUPTA – in his 50s. Bit of a martinet, manages the call centre
DOROTHY – in her 80s. Intellectual, ex-BBC
MRS KAPOOR – in her 50s. Strong-willed, highly-strung mother of Sonny
NORMAN – in his 70s, a racketty old roue
SAHANI – in her 20s. Beautiful, feisty, fun. In love with Sonny
KAMILA – in her 20s. Also works at the call centre
JIMMY – in his 80s. The ancient old hotel servant
JEAN – Early 70s, bossy, smug, left-wing. Retired teacher
SONNY KAPOOR – early 30s. Good-looking, endearing and rather hapless son of Mrs Kapoor
MURIEL – in her 80s. Retired cleaner, working-class Londoner
MOHAN – in his 20s. Works at the call centre
TIKAL – in his 20s. The hotel sweeper

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting A dilapidated hotel in Bangalore, India. The present.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

Media

“Hilarious and moving.” – Express & Star

“[It’s] warming audiences’ hearts.” – The Mancunion

“The feel-good tale of love and adventure.” – Wiltshire Times

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

Checking in at The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Q&A with author Deborah Moggach
Matt Law
April 12, 2023

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Deborah Moggach

Deborah Moggach has written 20 novels and many screenplays. Her most recent novel, The Black Dress, was published on 22 July 2021 and Fool For Love, a collection of Deborah’s short stories, was released in 2022. Her novel and adaptation, The Carer, was published in Summer 201 ...

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