Review: Frankie Goes to Bollywood at The Rep Theatre, Birmingham

★★★★

Following a previous, hit UK tour, Frankie Goes to Bollywood, returns to stages promising to be ‘bigger, bolder, and bursting with Bollywood glamour.’ The production, which takes titular inspiration from the pop group, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, is a musical comedy drama that draws audiences into the glittering but high-pressure world of cinema and Bollywood movie-making.

“At the centre of it all is Frankie, a young British woman with little interest in fame. But her quiet suburban life is turned upside down as she is thrust into a world of dazzling lights, choreographed perfection and media obsession. Frankie must decide: Can she become a star without losing who she really is? What must she give up to succeed in a man’s world – and what is she willing to fight for?”

Starring Sarah Pearson as Frankie, Akshay Datta as Prem, Meher Pavri as Malika and Maa, Ankur Sabharwal as Raju King, Katie Stasi as Goldy and Mummy, and Luke Suri as Shona. The production also features a large ensemble cast that deliver much of the lively choreography, particularly during quick-changes from the lead cast.

Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a Rifco Theatre Company’s production with book by Pravesh Kumar. Reflecting the style of ‘Masala’ films, the story weaves together many threads including music, dance, comedy, drama, and plays on many of the typical Bollywood tropes. If you don’t speak Hindi, you might miss the odd joke but this is still a show to be enjoyed by a wide range of audiences; whether you’ve watched hundreds of Bollywood movies or none.

Weaving drama and entertainment around lively musical numbers and powerful stories of grief, love, and identity Frankie Goes to Bollywood showcases Britain’s greatest strength in multiculturalism, with Northern accents alongside South Asian dialect.

The production also highlights issues, providing commentary on empire and colonialism, and speaking on the growing racism in Britain’s political landscape. What’s more, it also shines a light on the misogyny in the Bollywood film industry, and indeed the film industry in general, flipping the trope on its head for a powerful ending with a feminist slant.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood features original Bollywood songs by hit composer Harry Anand, songs and music by Niraj Chag, and songs and lyrics by Tasha Taylor Johnson. The music creates a fusion of Bollywood tunes alongside showtunes written in predominately English language that see a combination of lip-syncing and live vocals. Some vocals in the cast are stronger than others, with Katie Stasi as Goldy as a stand-out.

A visually stunning production that shimmers and sparkles in the spotlight. Rebecca Brower delivers a majestic set design, while Andy Kumar’s costume design offers countless colourful, rich and jaw-droppingly glittering costumes.

It is Andy Kumar’s role as movement director though that is truly this production’s most soaring feat. With lively, skilled choreography in energetic Bollywood dance numbers that help tell the story.

Frankie Goes to Bollywood runs at The Rep Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 13th June.

This review was written following a press invite to the production.