Actors Julián López and Pepa Charro appeared on the television show El Hormiguero on Tuesday to promote their new stage comedy 53 domingos. The pair joined host Pablo Motos on the Spanish network Antena 3 following an episode featuring footballer Ferran Torres, who had discussed his goal in the recent World Cup final.
Written and directed by Cesc Gay, 53 domingos is running at the Teatre Condal in Barcelona until September 26 before embarking on a national tour across Spain. The production marks the first stage acting role for López, a comedian and actor from Cuenca known for his work in Spanish television comedy.
A family debate on stage
The play revolves around three siblings who must decide the future of their 86-year-old father, specifically addressing whether to move him into a care home. Charro explained that there are emotional moments in the performance where one feels a pinch in the soul, as the narrative touches on relatable family dilemmas.
López noted that the conflict begins as soon as the discussion arises, with some siblings favoring the move while others avoid the issue, leading to secrets and rivalries between them. The storyline prompts questions about how family members navigate growing older and caring for aging relatives.
Prompted by Motos to share their own preferences for care in old age, the two actors offered contrasting answers. Charro said she would prefer living in a commune, while López surprised the audience by stating he would want to be cared for by a robot or his cat.
Stage debuts and script discipline
Reflecting on his stage debut, López described the intense emotions of performing live in front of an audience. He admitted to double-checking his bathroom visits before stepping onto the stage, noting that once the show starts, the momentum cannot be stopped and the heart races at a thousand beats per minute.
López added that succeeding on stage requires complete trust in oneself and in fellow cast members. The transition from television and film to live theatre presented a new level of excitement that he had not experienced in previous acting roles.
Charro praised the performance of her co-star, confessing that she felt less grounded herself during rehearsals. She explained that her earlier stage work relied heavily on improvisation, whereas this role requires sticking strictly to written dialogue and fixed movements, though she admitted to occasionally changing words.
A restaurant meeting with Joan Manuel Serrat
The cast of 53 domingos also features actress Candela Serrat, who plays the partner of the character portrayed by López. Serrat is the daughter of legendary Catalan singer and songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat.
López recalled the first time he met the famous musician and his daughter at an Italian restaurant prior to working on the play. López was dining with fellow comedian Raúl Cimas when Serrat began gesturing toward their table. López initially looked behind at the wall, unable to believe the singer was pointing at them.
Serrat approached the comedians to explain that he was a massive fan of their sketch comedy shows Muchachada Nui and La Hora Chanante. During the encounter, the singer introduced his daughter Candela to López, years before the two actors were cast together on stage.
Handling unwanted gifts and viral fame
During the interview, the guests admitted to being masters of deception when receiving gifts they do not like, pretending to be pleased by unwanted presents. López shared his personal method for avoiding awkward situations, explaining that he maintains a written file of all gifts received.
López stated that whenever a friend or relative visits his home, he consults his index file to locate and display the item they gave him. He noted that the system ensures visitors never realize he disliked the gift.
Charro also reflected on the global success of her comic persona La Terremoto de Alcorcón, particularly her Madonna parody video Time goes by con Loli. The parody became the second most-viewed video in the world at the time, leading Madonna's Spanish tour choreographer to inform Charro that the pop star's crew warmed up to her version.
Charro explained that the intense popularity of the character eventually became overwhelming, prompting her to temporarily retire the persona. She revived La Terremoto de Alcorcón after producer Elvira Vázquez invited her to perform as a vedette at El Molino, the historic theatre venue in Barcelona.
Upcoming guests on El Hormiguero
El Hormiguero will continue its week of celebrity guest appearances on Antena 3. Television presenter Bertín Osborne is scheduled to appear on Wednesday, September 23, followed by film director Alejandro Amenábar on Thursday, September 24.
