Maria Gadea Aragues carries on Sticky Vicky's entertainment legacy in Benidorm
- Maria Gadea Aragues, also known as Sticky Vicky 2.0, has taken over her mother's entertainment legacy in Benidorm.
- Her shows, which feature a blend of art and humor, are popular especially among women.
- Maria reflects on the evolution of the entertainment scene, noting changes in audience preferences since her mother's era.
In recent months, Maria Gadea Aragues, known as Sticky Vicky 2.0, has taken to the stage in Benidorm, Spain, continuing the legacy of her mother, the legendary performer Sticky Vicky. The original Sticky Vicky, whose real name was Victoria María Aragüés Gadea, entertained audiences for over thirty years before retiring in 2016. After her death in 2018 due to uterine cancer, Maria felt an obligation to fill the void left in the local entertainment scene, where her mother, starting in the mid-1970s, garnered a massive following among British tourists. Since then, Maria has developed her own show, infused with fresh tricks that she describes as art rather than a conventional magic performance. Maria highlights a shift in audience demographics, noting that her performances cater mainly to women, who find her act to be both humorous and aesthetically pleasing. The shows are held at the Palladium in Benidorm, starting with a tribute to her late mother through a collage of old photographs. Maria recalls fond memories of her mother’s performances and mentions how she was initially unaware that she could pursue a similar path. Reflecting on the evolution of the entertainment landscape in Benidorm, Maria remarks on how the atmosphere has changed dramatically since her mother's heyday, where now the focus is more on younger crowds seeking high-energy experiences typical of modern entertainment. The younger audiences, influenced by social media and modern trends, often prefer wild parties and shows that lean towards the erotic, as opposed to the artistic flair that characterized her mother’s performances. Despite the changes in the industry, Maria expresses confidence that her mother would be proud of her artistic endeavors. By keeping alive Sticky Vicky's legacy, Maria not only honors her mother's memory but also carves out her unique identity in the entertainment sphere, tailoring the show to accommodate the evolving tastes of the audience both during weekdays and weekends. Maria’s insistence on separating her brand from the more risqué offerings of the current entertainment options in town underscores her dedication to an artistic vision and her efforts to attract a diverse audience. As Maria continues to bring life to the act that captivated millions, she aims to create a distinct experience that resonates with both nostalgia and contemporary artistic sensibilities.