WITH the Christmas decorations coming down and the temperature starting to plummet, many of us could be in need of a pick me up to blow away the ‘January Blues.’ And I very much doubt anything can quite hit the spot like Benidorm Live.

The show has been taken from the television screens onto the stage and brings sunshine, Sangria, the infamous Solana hotel and laughter by the bucket load as it swaps the Spanish seaside for Southend.

The TV programme ended last year after a 10th series but the stage version still includes a handful of the show’s most popular characters.

Hotel boss Joyce Temple-Savage, barman Mateo and hotel worker Sam all play a key part.

But hairdresser Kenneth (Tony Maudsley) and his assistant Liam ( Adam Gillen) both catch the eye with their comical demeanour and dialogue.

However, the real star of the show is Jacqueline (Janine Duvitski) – the biggest swinger in town – whose innuendos brought the house down.

The stage version of the show sees staff members trying to save the Solana amid a visit from an undercover inspector.

And the scenes are often broken up by songs from Asa Elliott, another star of the TV show.

Now, I may be a fan of the programme but my friend who accompanied me to the Cliffs had never seen the show before and was still laughing away.

It is certainly worth going to watch and, while the Solano may be struggling to hold onto its four stars, this show can be far more confident of maintaining its five star billing.