From a Sunday Times bestseller to a BAFTA-nominated film, the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is one of Britain’s best-loved stories.

It is now getting a new lease of life as a stage show, with a touring production starring Hayley Mills, Paul Nicholas and Rula Lenska visiting the Churchill Theatre in Bromley.

The show, which will also stop off in Canterbury in January 2023, has been adapted from Deborah Moggach’s 2004 novel, These Foolish Things, and the 2011 film starring Dev Patel, Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith.

The feel-good show follows an eclectic group of British pensioners as they travel to India and start a new life for themselves. They land in a luxury residence but, during their stay at the hotel, soon find that their lives show no sign of slowing down just yet.

“It’s about ageing and mortality but it’s also about fun and how we can get on with each other,” says novelist Deborah. “There are many more examples of older people having interesting things happen to them rather than them being in the waiting room or departure lounge.”

The new touring production boasts an all-star cast, including Hayley Mills, who first found fame in 1961’s The Parent Trap and will be playing the role of Evelyn Greenslade.

“I absolutely loved the script and there wasn’t a shadow of a doubt about wanting to do it,” says the former Disney star. “I love the play, the writing, the part and I’m mad about the director Lucy Bailey. It’s a wonderful play and Deborah Moggach is a great writer.

We’re excited about being in a show that is going to give people a lot of pleasure. I hope they’ll feel infused with optimism and hope about the future as well as the belief that life really is what you make it.”

The show also stars Paul Nicholas, known for his work in Just Good Friends and EastEnders, and Rula Lenska, who has appeared in productions such as Calendar Girls, the Vagina Monologues and Seven Deadly Sins Four Deadly Sinners.

“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,” adds Rula. “The whole cast are just magnificent and delightful to be with. Hayley Mills is exactly the same as she was 40 years ago!”

The show also features a strong cast of Indian characters, with actors such as Tiran Aakel, Nishad More and Rekha John-Cheriyan taking on these roles.

“One of the themes of the play is the meeting of East and West, the dissipating of prejudice and showing what we have in common along with the contrast between our cultures,” says Deborah. “I hope [audiences] will have their sympathies enlarged, not just about what they might consider old people who are past it but also about other cultures.”

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will be at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from Tuesday, October 18 to Saturday, October 22. Book online here or call 03433 100020.

The show will also be at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, in January 2023. Book online here or call 01227 787787.