Frankie Goes To Bollywood

May 20th 2024

BOLLYWOOD MUSICAL PREMIERE COMES TO WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THIS JUNE!

A spectacular new production by Rifco Theatre is coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 11th to the 15th June.  Frankie Goes To Bollywood is a spectacular all-singing-all-dancing tale of heroes and villains, with all the costumes and the spectacle of a Bollywood feature film.  Conceived by Artistic Director of Rifco, Pravesh Kumar MBE, the show tells the tale of being British in Bollywood and explores what it takes to get to the top.

Frankie never wanted to be a star, all she’s ever really wanted is a close and loving family - but after a chance encounter with an up-and-coming director, she finds herself transported to Bollywood, cast in a movie and thrust into the limelight. Might the Bollywood world provide her with the family and community she has always dreamed of? Suddenly Frankie is immersed in the world of fame and fortune but as she climbs the sparkling staircase of stardom, each step makes her question what she is willing to do, or be subjected to, for success. 

Drawing inspiration from both traditional Bollywood music and the best of western musical theatre, the music for Frankie goes to Bollywood is a carefully integrated hybrid - designed to appeal to lovers of the Bollywood genre and also lovers of a good old West End extravaganza.

Bollywood as an industry generates over £2 billion a year, and globally the films have an audience of 1.3billion. In the UK a successful Bollywood film can be expected to take as much as £4 million - so it’s little wonder that the glamorous lure of Bollywood stardom appeals to many British-South Asian young people.

Frankie Goes To Bollywood is is inspired by those true stories of young men and women who make the journey to India to become Brits in Bollywood.

Alongside a couple of very well-known faces in Bollywood who hold British citizenship including  Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, there are also dozens more actors, both male and female born in Britain who have established successful careers. Frankie Goes To Bollywood is is inspired by many of their stories, and by Pravesh’s own experience of being a Brit in Bollywood, and by what he observed in terms of British-born women’s experience in the industry.

Pravesh says “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.”

Rifco Theatre has a long tradition of working to celebrate and reflect contemporary British Asian experiences, culture and society. Pravesh’s own experience working for a decade in Bollywood, alongside his extensive work in UK theatre and film looking at the British South Asian experience plays a fundamental role in the development of Rifco’s productions and subject matter, focusing on untold stories and under-represented voices. In ‘Frankie goes to Bollywood’ Rifco have created a multi-layered piece of theatre. On one level it offers a sumptuous British spin on the glorious visual and romantic stories of Bollywood; a breathtakingly colourful journey of romance, sweeping songs and vibrant dance; the big, bold explosion of movement, colour and music that ‘Bollywood’ immediately brings to mind. Yet this is   juxtaposed against an exploration of the darker undercurrent within the culture. Frankie Goes to Bollywood delves into the influence the film industry has on society’s views of women, both in India and for the 4 million South Asian residents of the UK.

Pravesh Kumar says “A strong theme throughout my work has been platforming the experiences of working class British South Asians, and I really drew on my inside knowledge of Bollywood in this case. Frankie Goes To Bollywood is absolutely a celebration of everything that is glorious and spectacular about Bollywood and Indian heritage but I also wanted to bring to light the often-formidable circumstances young women face in particular. It was important to me to draw attention to, and question certain elements about the culture. These include the double standards regarding modesty and the large and uncomfortable age difference between the male and female performers. Throughout my life and career, I have developed a huge love for Bollywood and its traditions but want my plays to have a realistic point of view and analysis alongside the celebratory element. And I think it’s vital that, as artists, we keep questioning and holding up a mirror to society.”

LISTINGS INFORMATION

FRANKIE GOES TO BOLLYWOOD

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 June 2024

Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30pm 

Tickets from £16.75*

*A £4 booking fee applies to all purchases. 

CAST INFORMATION

Laila Zaidi (Frankie)

Theatre credits: Clara in ‘Three Acts Of Love’ (Live Theatre, Newcastle); Clem in 'Little Bits Of Light' (National Theatre, London); Maria in 'West Side Story' (Kilworth House Theatre); Charlie in 'The Selfish Giant' (Vaudeville Theatre, London’s West End); Tassita in 'Starlight Express' (The Other Palace Theatre, London); Jess in 'Bend It Like Beckham' (Toronto, Canada); Polly in 'The Boyfriend' (Menier Chocolate Factory, London); Sashi in ‘Invisible' (Bush Theatre, London); Clare in 'The Season Ticket' (Northern Stage, Newcastle); Maria in ‘West Side Story' At Shakespeare's 400th Anniversary (RSC); Rosalia in ‘West Side Story’ BBC Proms.

Television credits: Asma in 'Ackley Bridge' S5 (Channel 4); Cyd in ‘Benidorm' S10 (ITV); Zara in ‘Mood' (BBC); Maria in ‘Doctors'- (BBC); Hope in 'Dog Days'- (Comedy Pilot); Christie in 'Holby City' (BBC).

Short Films: Layla in 'The Everlasting Club' (Jeva Films Productions); Angelica in 'Hayley Alien' (Rebel Park Productions)

Voiceover credits: BBC Radio Summer of Sport; BBC Sounds- Young Writers Awards Shortlist narration; Audiobook ‘The NutCracker’ By Alex T Smith; Sky Radio Christmas Advert; Audio Guide for Imperial War Museum ‘24

Helen K Wint (Malika/ Maa)

Helen K Wint is an English actress best known for her role as Khush in the CBBC's I Dream. Helen is an original member of the girl group Goldstone,

Theatre Credits: Bronco Billy (Charing Cross); Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (Wyndhams); Dirty Dancing (UK Tour);  One Night of Tina (UK Tour); Respect La Diva (workshop); Aladdin (Camberley); Dancing in the Streets (UK tour); Daddy Cool (Shaftesbury); 'Instant Celebrity...Just add water' (Workshop).

Television Credits: I DREAM; Doctors; BBC: Eurovision You Decide.

Short film Credits (A Very) Ham Fisted Stake Out.

Recordings: Daddy Cool (original London cast); I DREAM.

Shakili Hussain (Raju King)

Shakil started out in fringe and independent theatre productions before being cast as one of the leads in off west end comedy, Making Porn.  In his first year as a professional actor, his tv credits included BBC One’s ‘We Hunt Together’ and Sky One’s ‘Gang’s of London’. Since then, Shakil has had a soaring 2023. With exciting tv credits including BBC’s ‘Boat Story’, ITV’s ‘Emmerdale’ and Amazon Prime’s smash hit ‘Riches’. Shak can be seen in one of the hugely popular ads for US shaving brand, Dollar Shave Club. His British commercials include Tesco and Boots. Previous theatre credits include ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (Wyllyotts), ‘Love, No Country’ (Cambridge Junction), ‘Making Porn’ (Above The Stag), ‘Rapunzel’ (Wyllyotts Theatre), ‘John White - A Rock & Roll Fairytale’

Gigi Zahir (Shona)

Since graduating from The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City in 2016, Gigi has worked primarily on stage and in cabaret as drag character Crayola the Queen, a multi-disciplinary drag artist, actor, singer, writer, producer and MC. 

Gigi trained at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting 2013-16. During an internship at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 2016-17, Gigi discovered an unshakeable love for drag, and subsequently, cabaret, which has led them down an unexpected but highly rewarding artistic path.  Over the years, Gigi has performed in pantos at Above the Stag (ATS), Her Upstairs, and The Vaults, and has been commissioned to create several solo shows including a children’s drag show for the Reading Fringe Festival. Gigi regularly performs at The Glory and The RVT, two of London’s most esteemed LGBT+ cabaret venues. In 2019 Gigi received several nominations at the QX Cabaret Awards including Best Host, Best Producer and Best Ongoing Cabaret. 

As an actor, they've performed as Antonio/Trinculo in TEMPEST at The Pleasance (co-pro with Wildcard Theatre), as Becky Biro in the solo black comedy FAME WHORE at The King’s Head. for which they also wrote the lyrics, and as Cleopatra in CINDERELLA at Theatre Royal Stratford East, for which they were nominated for Best Newcomer at the UK Pantomime Awards in 2023. As a voice over artist, they provided the voice of Noor in podcast web series THRICE FORGOTTEN.

Navin Kundra (Prem)

Navin Kundra is a multi-talented and award winning British singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist renowned for his captivating performances across various entertainment platforms.  

With a music career spanning over a decade, Navin has amassed a plethora of achievements whilst remaining independent, including six number one singles in the Asian Charts, singing for the Royal Family, breaking a Guinness World Record with his music and singing on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.  

He has also won prestigious awards such as the “Entertainer of the Year Award" at the House of Commons, a “British Soap Award” at the ITV Soap Awards and the “Stardust Global Icon Award” for Outstanding Achievement in Music.  His music seamlessly blends contemporary pop with traditional Indian influences, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated global fanbase.   He recently performed a sold out UK Tour of his concert, “Voice Of Legends” in tribute to the stalwart playback singers of Hindi Cinema which landed him a nomination at the Asian Media Awards for Best Live Event.  Beyond music, he has showcased his acting talent in BBC Doctors, Eros Now’s production “Operation Cobra” and is now making his debut in musical theatre.

Katie Stasi (Goldy/ Raju’s Mother)

Katie is 26 years old and graduated in 2021 from the Preparation Academy.

Training: Royal Central School of Speech & Drama - Preparation Academy (PPA)  

Previous Credits: Roles We’ll Never Play (Union Theatre), Dick Whittington (Stanley Arts Theatre), Wizard of Oz (Theatre Royal Winchester), Betty Blue Eyes (Union Theatre), No For an Answer (Arcola Theatre). 

ABOUT WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE

Admired by performers and audiences alike for its friendly welcome and intimate three-tiered Victorian auditorium, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre opened in 1894 and is a long-established theatre in the heart of the Midlands. It receives a wide range of major touring productions including drama, musicals, ballet, dance, opera, variety, concerts, children’s shows and one of the biggest pantomimes in the UK, with audiences from across the region and beyond taking advantage of excellent transport links to the town. 

Through extensive Creative Learning and Access work, the Grand Theatre strives to reach even more people through the magic of theatre. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s artistic vision has recently given emphasis to re-establishing the theatre’s history of producing quality in-house theatre for the people of Wolverhampton and beyond.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre celebrates its 130th Anniversary on 10 December 2024.

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WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE (1982) LIMITED

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