It's time to go all inclusive with sun-loving Brits as the stage version of the hit TV sitcom Benidorm announces dates in the county.

Derren Litten's ITV comedy has been hooking viewers by their millions with its mix of comedy and familiar faces enjoying the life of Brits abroad at The Solana hotel in the heart of Benidorm.

The show has received two National Television Awards, a TV Quick Award and nominations at the British Comedy Awards and BAFTAs and stars Sherrie Hewson, Tony Maudsley, Jake Canuso and Janine Duvitski.

Now a stage version of the show is set to come to theatres - Benidorm Live - and dates for 2018 around the country have been so popular, it has been extended into 2019, with dates added at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford and the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

Writer Derren said: ͞"I͛'ve loved 10 years of writing my TV show Benidorm, but despite a successful writing career I͛'m first and foremost a performer, so have always been secretly frustrated I couldn't hear the audience͛'s laughter.

"This national tour of Benidorm Live will not only make a long-lasting dream come true but will also mean I no longer have to stand in strangers' gardens listening at their windows at 9 o͛'clock on cold winter evenings."

He added: "I am blown away by the reaction to the Benidorm Live tour and so thrilled that we will be visiting more cities so even more people can enjoy the madness I’ve prepared. This is like an exclusive, extended live action episode of Benidorm you can only see if you come to the theatre. It’s also the nearest you’ll get to going on holiday with the cast!”

He has written a new set of Alicante escapades for the much-loved cast members. The show is producced for the stage by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

He worked as a professional magician before winning a three-year place at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama where he met fellow student Catherine Tate. Ten years later, she asked him to write for her sketch show, The Catherine Tate Show and after two series and a Christmas Special, was commissioned by producer Geoffrey Perkins, ͞to "just write anything you want as long as it͛'s funny͟." That show became the hit comedy Benidorm.

The show comes to the Orchard Theatre, Dartford from February 11 to 16 February, 2019. To book tickets visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000. The show will also be at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, from April 15 to 20, 2019. Tickets on general sale May 1. Visit marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.