Frankie goes to Bollywood gives a different take on the ‘glam life’ of Indian cinema, and shows that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.
With concept and book by Pravesh Kumar, songs, lyrics and music by Tasha Taylor Johnson and Niraj Chag and new Bollywood songs by Harry Anand, this Rifco Theatre Company production has it all – love songs, a love triangle, jealousy and greed, drama and comedy with plenty of colour thrown in.
The story takes us on the journey to Frankie’s transformation – from living a relatively humble life in Huddersfield working as a cinema usherette, to Bollywood star.
The show has some excellent sets, transporting the audience from the ‘local’ cinema to Bollywood, with great lighting, vibrant costumes, and brilliant ‘cinematic’ effects through the use of wind machines and clever use of lighting.
Sarah Pearson is excellent in the role of Frankie, the down-to-earth girl who initially lets the glitz of Bollywood fame go to her head.
Initially, Frankie has no interest in being a film star, but through a chance meeting with an Indian film maker/director Prem Kapoor, played by Ashkay Datta, she is plucked out of her ordinary life and thrown into the Bollywood showbiz lifestyle. Datta nails the performance of the gentle Kapoor perfectly.
Frankie leaves her ‘brown sugar sister’ cousin Goldy, played by Katie Stasi working at the cinema and goes off to pursue her Bollywood dream.
Goldy, who had always dreamed of starring in a Bollywood film, was relying on Frankie to get her a part but Frankie gets caught up in her new-found stardom and forgets about Goldy. Both Frankie and Goldy’s powerful vocals really stand out in this musical.
Ankur Sabharwal plays Raju King, the ageing star with a toupee, who still seeks the fame and glory of the Bollywood lights after 25 years in the industry. Sabharwal is really entertaining in this role as he charms his way into Frankie’s life.
Frankie eventually sees through the facade and leaves no doubt as to how she feels she has been treated by the industry.
Although a slow start in the first half, this musical really livens up in the second half leading to a spectacular finale.
★★★
Frankie goes to Bollywood is at Derby Theatre until Saturday, May 16
Tickets £18-£53
BSL interpreted performance Thursday, May 14
