12 minute read
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
New Beginnings at The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
This month Milton Keynes Theatre welcomes the brand-new stage adaptation of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, it takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. We caught up with Rula Lenska who plays Madge as she embarks on a journey of love, and second chances as she embraces the vibrancy of modern-day India, in charmed unexpected and life-changing ways.
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What attracted you to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel? I can’t imagine anybody saying no to it. It’s on everybody’s list of favourite books and films, and it’s particularly appealing for us as a bunch of older actors. The characters have such wonderful storylines and it’s a beautifully-adapted script by Deborah Moggach, who wrote the original book. It’s full of hope, everybody’s journey is different and it’s a feel-good, beautiful piece of theatre.
How would you describe the character of Madge? And have you avoided studying Celia Imrie’s performance in the film?
She’s a rather brittle cougar who has built up her own business and is out looking for a rich maharajah with his own elephants. And no, I haven’t watched the film since landing the part. Likewise I haven’t gone back to the book. I was advised by the director [Lucy Bailey] not to because one can only portray so much with the lines one is given in the script. You want to bring your own interpretation to bear on it.
Can you relate to her in any way?
There’s always something of oneself in one’s characters. I’m an optimist by nature, as Madge is, and I’m a romantic. I’ve had a couple of husbands and she’s had three. She’s a person who never gives in or gives up, which is very much me as well. I think once you start giving in then it’s the beginning of the end. We’re at a time in our lives where this is a golden opportunity for the cast. My role isn’t particularly huge but it’s just a joy to be part of an ensemble piece that has all its sadnesses but is also, as I say, full of hope. With the world the way it is at the moment, hope is such an important thing to hang on to.
Do you feel enough stories are being told about the older generation?
No and in my opinion there are never enough. Time goes so fast as you start getting older and there are fewer good parts, particularly for older women - which is another reason why it is a joy to be offered something like this. The whole cast are just magnificent and delightful to be with. Hayley Mills is exactly the same as she was 40 years ago and the Indian contingent are just superb. They’re so helpful, so knowledgeable and so beautiful. They’re incredible.
Have you worked with any of your co-stars before?
I haven’t, no. I’ve known Hayley for many years but we haven’t worked together previously. Likewise, I haven’t worked with the rest of the cast but it’s a delight to watch each one of them find their way, develop their characters and develop our relationships with each other. And the set is magnificent; this dilapidated old Raj palace which is decaying but full of charm.
Why do you think this story resonates with people so much? Like the book and the film, it’s about having a new lease of life. This story is what people need at the moment. There’s been so much sadness, so much fear, so much anxiety, and while the story is very true and very real it’s also escapism. It’s full of brightness, sunshine and discoveries. It’s magical.
You’ve had such a varied career. What have been your highlights?
There have been many, with the first real highlight being Rock Follies. I will never forget it. It was an extraordinary piece of television and it put me on the map. It had fantastic storylines, fantastic music and fantastic fantasy sequences. There have been many theatre pieces, doing Same Time, Next Year with my ex-husband [Dennis Waterman] and the play 84 Charing Cross Road - which up until now I think is probably my greatest triumph. Then there have been many, many television appearances, most recently in Coronation Street. I also absolutely loved working on Robin of Sherwood, Doctor Who… loads and loads of things.
What do you most enjoy about stage work?
I love the rehearsal process, where you get a bunch of people who you don’t know but some of whom you know about and you’ve seen their work. Then you all go on this journey together - not just the cast but the crew and production team - from the first day of rehearsal until you open. When you do television or film your definitive performance is not really your choice. You do something, then it’s cut together by directors and editors. On stage you are in charge and your performance continues to grow as you develop and discover new things. It’s a constant work in progress. And when you feel that you have the audience in the palm of your hands - whether it’s making them laugh, making them think, making them sad, making them happy - it’s a wonderful feeling.
When were you last on stage?
I was in a play earlier this year called Evelyn at Southwark Playhouse. I played a woman with dementia who’s an ageing hippie, still smokes dope and swears like a trooper. And the last time I toured was in Pygmalion with Alastair McGowan in 2014. I’m looking forward to performing in enthusiastic venues, which I’m in no doubt will happen because everyone one mentions it to says ‘It’s my favourite film’ or ‘I love the book’. I think it appeals across the ages. And when you’re touring in a good show with a cast who all get on with each other it’s the greatest fun. Of course it’s also tiring, going from one end of the country to the other, but I do think this is going to be tremendous fun.
What do you hope audiences take away from seeing the show? I hope they’ll be uplifted, enchanted, sometimes maybe a bit tearful but generally leaving the theatre with a good feeling in their hearts and their souls.
Is there anything you couldn’t be on tour without?
My pillow with a silk pillowcase. Because I’ve done a lot of touring, I tend to make wherever I go into a mini home. I don’t stay in hotels, I prefer to get self-contained accommodation or an attic room with an en suite not too far away from the theatre.
The Best Exotic marigold Hotel is appearing at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 24 - Saturday 28 January 2023. Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
What are you most looking forward to about taking The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel around the country?
STARS
Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) You feel most like yourself when you’re using your mind and engaging with others. You want to keep busy and have plenty to do so you use up this mental energy. If in a relationship, you connect more intellectually with your partner. You may come across as more emotional, moody, and sympathetic. This is also a good time to start a new healthy lifestyle and improve your health. Favourable Dates: January 8, 9, 17, 18, 26, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
You are exploring and searching now, making connections, and paying attention to your immediate environment. Social interaction is emphasized during this period and is for the most part light-hearted. You love conversation and want to be around other people. It can be easier to find a close relationship, and for partnered Aries, a partner has their best interests at heart and is especially supportive.
Favourable Dates: January 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 Favourable Colours: White & Green
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
You’re open to ideas that are unique or unconventional and want to explore the future in your mind. You want plenty of people with differing ideas to surround you so you can open up your mind and understand different perspectives. You’re open to ideas that are out there and wild, so different from usual. You look at the world from a higher perch, and can look far into the future, dreaming and hoping.
Favourable Dates: January 5, 8, 14, 26, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue
Aries (21 March – 19 April)
Your intuition is highly stimulated and increased compassion can motivate you to help someone out or to provide a service. You take life more seriously and view things realistically, but you may be more pessimistic sometimes than you realise. This is a stable period for love matters and close relationships. You value those who make you feel comfortable, and familiarity is more important to you than someone new during this cycle.
Favourable Dates: January 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Red & White
Taurus (20 April – 20 May)
You have an analytical approach to everything, and you’re excellent with the details. You're more charming and you are likely to want to attract things to you through charm and playfulness. You may, however, also find other people draining mentally, and need time to yourself to replenish your mental energy. Anything new or different may be a little trying on you now, and you find less enjoyment in it.
Favourable Dates: January 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Grey
Gemini (21 May – 20 June)
You're feeling eager and enthusiastic about picking up useful information, boosting your knowledge, and sharpening your skills this month. The period is also demanding that you get organised and active with loved ones or around the home. The more success you have, the better you feel about yourself. You're motivated to improve home life and set the record straight with family, if necessary. Home-related projects can be satisfying.
Favourable Dates: January 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow
Cancer (21 June – 22 July)
You can finish a project that helps further you along your career path, achieve a goal, or give up on a goal. You are more inclined to want more things around you! Financial security and enjoyment of the good things in life are important to you, although you also value simple pleasures. The ability to relate well with others might enhance your own personal finances during this period.
Favourable Dates: January 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20 Favourable Colours: White & Green
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
You have opportunities to increase your income through education, travel, or by expanding your reach/audience in business during this period. You feel good about your future, your hopes and your dreams, and are a little idealistic. Your mind is especially inquisitive, when learning, short trips, and making connections, appeal strongly. You’re up for rousing debates about philosophical ideas and can defend what you believe in passionately.
Favourable Dates: January 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Green
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
You have a more practical outlook and can focus well. You need to be nurtured and encouraged, and you’ll do the same for those you’re close to. You want to get a lot of work efficiently and get all of your tasks done in a timely manner. You are more protective of the way you earn or spend money, as well as with the values you live your life by.
Favourable Dates: January 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, 26 Favourable Colours: White & Blue
Libra (23 September – 22 October)
The coming weeks can be important for getting in better touch with your need to express yourself through creative or romantic channels. Those things/projects/people that have been holding you back from expressing your authentic, creative self may come under scrutiny. Clearing the way for new beginnings may involve letting go of a situation that has been holding you back. This is a time for coming to terms with the dependency.
Favourable Dates: January 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 Favourable Colours: Green & Blue
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)
You may have more communications at work or about your work and talk more with co-workers. You’re more discerning and logical and try to look at the facts and nothing else. You might decide to turn a hobby into something a little more practical, or a fantasy into something concrete and meaningful. This is a potentially strong time for personal attraction as well.
Favourable Dates: January 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 27 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue
Sagittarius (22 November -21 December)
There can be sensitivity when it comes to reputation or career matters or you could be confused about where you stand. The need to make adjustments and changes in work-life balance can be obvious now but should be made when you’re more confident. Some of you could be dealing with a situation in which you need to draw boundaries with others who are draining you of time or energy.
