A truly magical, topical, and toe-tapping musical ushers in the summer season at the theatre with a spicy show.
Frankie Goes to Bollywood is now playing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
The inventive show, which explores daring themes, is written and directed by Pravesh Kumar who is also the artistic director of the Rifco Theatre Company which celebrates South Asian culture.
Rifco’s Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a sensational experience for the eyes and ears, and is packed solid with original songs rather than simply mining existing Bollywood tunes and recycling them into the show.
The story follows the tale of cinema usher Frankie from Milton Keynes who is swept off her feet and whisked to India by a Bollywood producer who is searching for the next big star.
Frankie’s colourful journey involves personal sacrifice, a dash of drama, a sprinkling of comedy, some pulsating romance, and lots of dancing and singing peppering the mix. As Frankie embarks onto the road that leads to Bollywood stardom she interacts with a number of characters who try to influence and guide her as she navigates the serious challenges and pitfalls that lurk around every dark corner.
The tale bravely tackles the issue of misogyny and the way women are treated in a disrespectful manner by the film industry in India. While ageing male film stars can continue starring in movies decade after decade, ageing females are quickly and cruelly cast aside in favour of younger starlets. Frankie soon realises that women are seen as pretty ornaments that are used to decorate a film. Strong and meaningful roles for women are about as rare and elusive as snow in summer.
Laila Zaidi takes on the pivotal, and very demanding, role of Frankie which requires incredible stamina for the dancing and powerful vocals for the singing. Zaidi rises to the occasion like a fiery phoenix who performs like a force of nature. This is a star in the making who should be immediately snapped up for further roles in theatre or film.
The exquisite production is full of vibrant colours that transports the audience to the glitzy world of Bollywood. Rebecca Brower’s Mughal style sets with arches and lush curves, Phillip Gladwell’s dreamy lighting, and Andy Kumar’s costume design and choreography all hearken to the glamour of Bollywood.
The dancing in this show is absolutely spectacular. The level of breathtaking energy on display is next level magic. These gifted dancers do full justice to Niraj Chag and Tasha Taylor Johnson’s songs which sway with lush melodies.
Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a thought-provoking and spicy summer night at the theatre which will have you shaking your hips all night long.
Verdict: ★★★★
Frankie Goes to Bollywood is now playing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 15 June
Comments