Frankie Goes to Bollywood,

Derby Theatre

Frankie Goes to Bollywood tells the story of Frankie (Sarah Pearson), a young British South Asian woman, who inadvertently finds herself leaving Huddersfield behind and embarking on a career as a Bollywood actress after a chance encounter with up-and-coming director Prem (Akshay Datta).

Initially, Frankie is reluctant to go. Being a Bollywood actress is the dream of her best friend Goldy (Katie Stasi), and Frankie is content with her life in Huddersfield as that’s where her memories of her Maa (Marina Lawrence-Mahrra) are. After realising that going to Bollywood could bring her closer to her Maa, who loved watching Bollywood films with her, Frankie travels to India to star in Prem’s new film.

But pretty soon Frankie realises that the Bollywood she saw in the movies is not the real thing. Deep rooted misogyny and power centred around well-connected, rich men prevents Frankie from being able to truly express herself. Prem finds his film’s message being watered down as leading man Raju King (Ankur Sabharwal) asserts control.

Amongst the drama on set, Frankie becomes romantically entangled and is soon coerced into a relationship with Raju King in order to stay in Bollywood. With a book by Pravesh Kumar, Frankie Goes to Bollywood is both a love letter to Bollywood films and a rallying call against the darker elements of the industry.

The show excels most when the music (under the supervision of Josh Sood) and dance (movement direction by Andy Kumar, choreography by Nicola Mac and Anna MAria Barber) are centre stage. The musical side of things are written by Niraj Chag with lyrics by Tasha Taylor Johnson whilst the Bollywood songs are penned by Harry Anand. In this aspect the show is vibrant and fun. Manjeet Rasiya’s table and percussion heightens the music, transporting the audience to Bollywood.

The stellar ensemble (led by Anna Maria Barber as dance captain) dance with fantastic intensity and rhythm, cycling through a wonderful array of costumes including colourful saris (costume design by Andy Kumar) that billow as they move about the stage. Dhruv Ravi is another highlight from the ensemble, with his comedic character work.

All of this dance and music is beautifully pulled together by the amazing set designed by Rebecca Brower complemented by Phillip Gladwell’s lighting design. The stage truly is a spectacle in and of itself, with proscenium arches that draw on traditional Indian architecture all covered in lights that pulse with colour depending on the mood of the show.

However, the show is let down by inconsistent pacing, an occasionally rushed story, and a seeming struggle with what sort of show it wants to be. It is unclear if the show is trying to replicate the melodrama of Bollywood through overacted lines or if it is trying to make a serious critique of Bollywood culture. The show seems to be doing both at the same time, but this results in one diluting the other: the moments which should be hard-hitting are undermined by exaggerated acting that immediately follows, and the comic moments end up feeling out of place.

The second act has some really powerful ballads and solo numbers. But they come almost one-after-another which reduces their impact. I feel Goldy’s song would be better placed in act 1 to help space them out.

That said, Stasi delivers Goldy’s solo number with great emotion and really connects with the audience during the song. Her dream has been taken by her best friend, and now it seems that very dream has taken away her best friend, too.

Vocally, the stand out performance comes from Lawrence-Mahrra who was the cover for Maa and Malika on the press night (the role is usually played by Meher Pavri). Malika was the leading lady of Bollywood until Frankie started to unintentionally usurp her and her song about how to make it in Bollywood manages to be both fun and chilling.

Particularly enjoyable is Luke Suri’s performance as Shona, the Bollywood choreographer and an almost-ally to Frankie. His dance routines are all show highlights and his stage presence is second-to-none. Although the show struggles to find itself, Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a fun evening of music and dance with a good message at its heart. Produced by Rifco Theatre Company, It is playing at Derby Theatre until Saturday 16 May, and then continues its tour of the country.