Latest news with #BenMorris
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Most hated city in Europe' where Brits love to go on holiday
Benidorm is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, welcoming some 800,000 British tourists a year - but that doesn't mean it's not also one of the most controversial Benidorm has been branded 'The worst place on Earth' by some, despite the resort town attracting roughly 800,000 British holidaymakers annually. Indeed, for certain travellers, its unenviable title stems precisely because of the influx of Brits each year. This Spanish seaside city, famous for its "strip" crammed with bars and nightclubs, revels in a reputation of limitless revelry where drunken antics and indecent exposure are as typical of the vacation experience as sunshine and sandy shores. YouTuber Ben Morris set off to Benidorm investigating whether its infamous notoriety is merited, pointing out that many attribute the resort's issues primarily to one thing: "Brits abroad." Ben observes that English is far more common than Spanish even in the scenic Old Town, stating: "Lots of people refer to Benidorm as 'Mini Britain,' with the British greatly surpassing the local population." He was taken aback by the sheer number of people thronging the streets, saying: "I knew that this was a popular holiday destination but I was really thrown off by how busy it actually was." However genteel Benidorm seems by day, the night transforms it completely, reports the Express. As darkness falls, encounters with illicit drug peddlers and, curiously, condom vendors become routine, targeting inebriated tourists to splurge their holiday funds. "I just couldn't get over how different the energy was at night-time," Ben said. "It was like feeding time at the zoo with Brits drinking and partying all down the streets." The bustling Calle Gerona is tailored for a certain type of holidaymaker. "It's just crazy walking down the strip; it's pub after pub after sports bar after pub," Ben remarked. One infamous destination in Benidorm, Sticky Vicky's, notorious for its peculiar adult performance involving unexpected objects and a woman's nether regions, remains open even after its founder passed away in 2023. Taking the limelight is María Gadea Aragüés, Vicky's own daughter, who began mastering the unconventional family talent at the tender age of 13. Ben could only stomach roughly 10 minutes of the show before he had to make a swift exit. Yet, for those seeking a break from the brash strip's neon embrace, a short ride away lies the tranquil Altea. "It's a completely different vibe to Benidorm," Ben observes, suggesting it as a serene escape when the risqué antics of Sticky Vicky's become overwhelming.
Irish Examiner
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Cork Proms review: Opera House hosts enjoyable night of hits from musical theatre classics
There was a touch of Broadway on the boards of Cork Opera House over Easter weekend when Irish talent recreated some iconic scenes from musical theatre history. The first leg of the Cork Proms 2025 was Epic Icons of Musical Theatre, with soloists Juliette Crosbie, Ben Morris, Claire O'Leary, Shane O'Riordan, and Jacinta Whyte tackling some of the biggest numbers of the genre. Accompanied by the excellent Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, curated by Trevor Ryan, and conducted by John O'Brien, the show featured numbers from musicals both old and new, with shows like Chicago, Les Misérables, and Waitress being well-received. A particular highlight was Crosbie's emotive interpretation of the ballad She Used To Be Mine from Waitress, a soaring and heartfelt tune, while her duet with O'Leary on Wicked's Defying Gravity was a crowd-pleaser, with great use of the stage lights for dramatic effect. A scene from Epic Icons Of Musical Theatre, part of the Cork Proms. Picture: Celeste Burdon Another vocally-challenging number is Being Alive from Stephen Sondheim's Company but it is one O'Riordan sang with ease, the high notes seeming effortless as he explored the character Robert's feelings about marriage. Whyte, who has played Grizabella in Cats, brought her experience to Cork in a strong performance of Memory, and Morris impressed with a timely take on Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar, with one particularly high note eliciting impressed gasps from the auditorium. A special mention must go to the young singers on the night who delighted the audience in ensemble pieces like You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two from Oliver! and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins. Ellie Byrne, Con Curtin, John Gunn, Sadbh Murphy, Emilia O'Brien, and Emma O'Donnell were full of talent and charm on the stage. The closing number, the stirring ensemble piece One Day More from Les Misérables, seemed a strange choice for a company of just five singers, and while they made a valiant effort, it would have benefited from more voices coming together. Perhaps Do You Hear The People Sing from the same show would have been a stronger choice for the number of singers they had on stage. Overall, Epic Icons of Musical Theatre was a delightful night of music for fans of the genre, with iconic songs from Broadway and the West End well-represented by a stellar line-up. The Cork Proms continue on Wednesday, April 23 with The Ultimate Classics before taking on Kings, Queens and Princes of Pop on April 26 and 27. See
