New disco-infused musical Bombay Superstar will receive its world premiere at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre this autumn ahead of a UK tour.
Written and directed by Phizzical Productions’ artistic director Sâmir Bhamra (Bring on the Bollywood, Precious Bazaar), the 1970s Bollywood-set musical will play its debut run in Coventry from 15- 22 October 2022.
The 50th production from award-winning British Asian theatre company Phizzical, the musical is co-produced with Belgrade Theatre and the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich.
Detailing the inspiration behind the musical, Bhamra said: “As a child from the VHS and Walkman generation living in Kenya, Bollywood films were more than a source of entertainment. The stories instilled a belief system, and the actors were our role models. These dynamic, melodramatic, and extravagant films were a ticket to dream and to unite South Asians globally. Growing up as a migrant in a working-class family in the UK, these films continued to be a compass, giving people hope to build their aspirations during unjust times.
“It has taken over 15 years to realise this dream production about the larger-than-life stories from the flamboyant Indian film industry and to have the courage and the belief that it can be presented on stage in a cinematic style.
“We are adorning it with iconic Bollywood hits from the 70s and 80s when a fusion of orchestral Indian music and international sounds created youthful upbeat rhythms. Infused with nostalgia, Bombay Superstar is a tribute to the grandeur, costumes, choreography, and scandalous secrets of Hindi movies for everyone to enjoy.”
With musical direction by Hinal Pattani, lyrics for new songs by Robby Khela, and songs courtesy of Saregana Plc, the production will also visit Hall for Cornwall, Truro (28-29 October); The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (1-5 November); The Lowry, Salford (8-12 November); and MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton (15-19 November).
Featuring live music and dancing, Bombay Superstar is delivered in English and sung in Hindi with subtitles.
Angela Thomas
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