Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

I hope everyone has enjoyed a fulfilling summer. I’ve kept myself busy, especially over the past few weeks. In fact, this period has presented a wonderful opportunity for me to develop a new addition to my skillset, which I’m excited to share.

I’ve been a proud member of The Little Theatre in Leicester for the past year. My involvement has been wonderfully varied, covering various areas from technical support with plugs and assisting with fire alarm analyses during performances, to helping with the de-rigging of sets. This summer, however, I’ve embarked on something entirely new: I’ve volunteered to serve as the prompter for an upcoming play, the stage production of “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”

Prompting is essentially providing support to the cast with their lines. In live theatre, it’s not uncommon for actors, amateur or professional, to momentarily forget a line. My role as prompter is to discreetly provide any forgotten cues, ensuring the performance flows seamlessly and the audience remains engaged to the story.

While this role is new to my time at The Little Theatre, it isn’t my first case with prompting. During my school years, I was provided the opportunity to prompt a powerful social issues play. This highlighted the importance of this backstage support. Since then, I’ve observed and appreciated the diligent work of prompters during my time as a member of a local amateur dramatics group. This background gave me a unique perspective, allowing me to understand the rhythm and flow of a performance from a supportive, backstage viewpoint, and appreciate how essential a well-timed prompt can be for an actor.

My previous experiences, combined with a desire to contribute in a new way, inspired me to take on this role. While at first glance, prompting might seem straightforward, it’s a refined and engaging task. It requires keen observation – anticipating intentional pauses, recognising physical cues that precede dialogue, and maintaining an enduring awareness of the script’s rhythm. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, not only expanding my skillset but also enriching my network among performers and crew alike. For someone like myself, with ambitions for future creative projects as a director, this experience has also offered a valuable opportunity to observe directing techniques firsthand. It’s a strong reminder that there’s always something new to learn, even for seasoned professionals, when it comes to the art of theatrical production, and other sources relating to the creative arts.

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a comedy based on the popular film of the same name. It follows a group of British retirees who embark on a new chapter of their lives, relocating to what they hope will be a charming Indian hotel. As their lives at their new home progress, they encounter unexpected challenges, form new bonds, and ultimately experience profound, life-changing revelations.

For those in the Leicester area, I warmly invite you to experience “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” for yourselves. Performances run at The Little Theatre in Leicester from 8th to 13th September. Tickets are available at £18.50 for standard and £17.50 for concessions. You can find more information and secure your seats through the link below:

https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/