Feel the thrills and see the dark side of Bollywood in new musical
A joyful and big-hearted show celebrating modern British South Asian life through love, laughter and Bollywood spectacle comes to Northampton this spring.
The musical, called Frankie Goes to Bollywood, tells of an ordinary Huddersfield girl catapulted into a glittering world of Bollywood. As Frankie chases her dreams under the dazzling glare of fame, she must decide what she’s willing to risk, and what she’s prepared to sacrifice along the way. The production features new Bollywood songs by composer Harry Anand.
The cast is led by Sarah Pearson in her title role as Frankie. Sarah said: "I am so excited to be playing Frankie in this wonderful musical. This show reflects and celebrates British South Asian experiences in a way that feels deeply personal and long overdue. I am honoured to contribute to a story that resonates with our community and beyond. A story with honesty and heart."
Idealistic young director Prem is portrayed by Akshay Datta, Meher Pavri joins the cast as Mallika, the Queen of Bollywood who is not giving up her crown without a fight, Luke Suri brings comic joy to the role of Shona, Frankie’s bold and extravagant confidant, Ankur Sabharwal plays Raju King, Bollywood royalty and the scion of an acting dynasty, and Katie Stasi returns as Goldy, Frankie’s best friend across thousands of miles, having originated the role in 2024.
During its 2024 run, Frankie Goes to Bollywood was seen by more than 35,000 people, 63 per cent of whom were first-time theatregoers.
The show is presented by Rifco Theatre Company, which internationally recognised for producing bold and large-scale musicals that celebrate contemporary British South Asian stories. Founded in 2000 by artistic director Pravesh Kumar MBE, Rifco is known for combining spectacle, emotional storytelling and popular music to create theatre that resonates with diverse audiences nationwide.
Kumar, who has written and directed the show, said: “Frankie is a multi-layered piece of theatre. It offers a sumptuous British spin on the glorious stories of Bollywood – a breathtakingly colourful journey of romance, sweeping songs and vibrant dance, juxtaposed with exploration of the darker undercurrent within the culture.
"This is a celebration of everything glorious and spectacular about Bollywood and Indian culture while highlighting less-positive experiences women face. I wanted to highlight this issue, because it’s men’s responsibility to shine a light on sexism, and to call it out whenever and wherever they see it. I hope this show is a catalyst.
Frankie Goes to Bollywood runs at the Royal & Derngate from Tuesday April 14 to Saturday April 18. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.