The Rifco Theatre Company is due to bring its most spectacular and ambitious musical to date, ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’ to the Beck Theatre in Hayes later this month. Conceived by Rifco’s Artistic Director, Pravesh Kumar MBE, this all-singing, all-dancing production promises to captivate audiences with its vibrant tale of heroes, villains, and the glitz and glamour of Bollywood.
‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’ explores the journey of Frankie, a British woman who unexpectedly finds herself in the heart of India’s film industry. Frankie’s dream has always been to have a close-knit family, but a chance meeting with a rising director propels her into the limelight. As she navigates the world of fame and fortune, Frankie must confront the challenges and moral dilemmas that come with stardom. Will the dazzling world of Bollywood offer her the community and family she yearns for, or will it demand too high a price?
The musical draws on the rich traditions of Bollywood music while incorporating elements of Western musical theatre, creating a unique hybrid that will appeal to fans of both genres. With Bollywood generating over £2 billion annually and attracting a global audience of 1.3 billion, the allure of its stardom is undeniable. In the UK, successful Bollywood films can earn up to £4 million, making the industry a beacon of aspiration for many British-South Asian young people.
‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’ is inspired by the true stories of British individuals who have ventured to India to carve out careers in the Bollywood industry. Among these are prominent figures like Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, who hold British citizenship, as well as numerous other actors born in Britain who have found success in Bollywood. The musical draws on these real-life experiences, as well as Pravesh Kumar’s own observations and insights into the challenges faced by British-born women in the industry.
With a stellar cast and a story that blends the best of East and West, ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’ is set to be a dazzling addition to Rifco Theatre Company’s repertoire. Audiences can look forward to a show that not only entertains but also sheds light on the fascinating dynamics of being British in Bollywood.
Pravesh said: “A lot of the story is about a question of belonging. In some ways in the UK, British born South Asian people, will still forever be seen by many as immigrants, no matter how many generations their families have lived in Britain. So forging a career in Bollywood, be that in front of or behind the camera can be seen by those who go out there, as somewhat of a homecoming. But then, being British born, and new to a lot of the culture, many of the women who go to work in the industry become acutely aware of the deeply ingrained sexism, not just within the industry itself, but displayed on screen. And that’s something they have to address and decide how much of that disparity they can put up with.
“I wanted to highlight this issue, because as the world fights the good fight for increased equality between genders, it’s men’s responsibility to shine a light on sexism, and to call it out when they see it – at work, amongst their friends, and in the wider world. I love Bollywood fiercely and this musical is at heart, a celebration of the genre and the art and the people involved. But that doesn’t mean I’m not still hoping and pushing for change. So my hope is that is this work a celebration of Bollywood, but at the same time, a small catalyst for improved social standing for women in the industry, both behind-the-scenes, and how they are portrayed on the silver screen.”
The show will be coming to the Beck Theatre in Hayes from 28 May to Sat 1 Jun 2024.
