Frankie Goes To Bollywood

For the past 25 years Rifco Theatre Company has been a trailblazing showcase for British South Asian Talent through its multitude of musicals and plays. One of their most current productions, Frankie Goes to Bollywood, has arrived at Peterborough’s New Theatre this week until Saturday 9th May, and brings a dazzling exploration of culture and identity against the backdrop of glamorous and complicated Bollywood.

The musical follows Frankie, a young British woman whose life swiftly changes when she leaves behind her quiet existence in Huddersfield for the spectacle and excess of Indian cinema. Blending English language dialogue and song with occasional playback singing, a knowing nod to Bollywood tradition, the show covers every emotional base. With a soundtrack by Niraj Chang and Tasha Taylor Johnson, the show intertwines upbeat numbers bursting with energy, soulful ballads, and some wonderfully flamboyant standout numbers. All this is grounded in a cultural identity that feels both authentic for those familiar with Bollywood as well as accessible for newcomers to this world.

Leading the story is Frankie, portrayed by the impressively assured Sarah Pearson. Her arc from cinema usher to superstar captures not only the awe and wonder of fame, but also the suffering and compromise that so often comes with it. Pearson navigates this rollercoaster with confidence, feeling believable in the leading role. Equally impressive is Katie Stasi’s Goldy, a warm and wholly engaging presence whose initial comedic charm soon gives way to stellar vocals and genuinely moving emotional delivery. She provides a real grounding force that stands out against the larger than life production.

Other notable performances include Ankur Sabharwal's Raju King, a brilliant antagonist who embodies the very worst of Bollywood whilst still managing to add to the show’s entertainment throughout. Recognising that he is to be laughed at rather than with, Sabharwal relishes in every moment on stage. Likewise, Luke Suri's Shona is an absolute scene-stealer, bringing a camp charisma and razor-sharp wit whenever he is present. As cliché as it sounds, the entire cast really shined throughout and what was abundantly clear was how much they enjoy bringing this show to life. Furthering this was the movement direction of Andy Kumar and stellar choreography of Assistant Choreographer and Dance Captain Anna Maria Barber, which provided the ensemble constant opportunities to showcase their talent with spectacular Bollywood-inspired sequences.