Frankie Goes to Bollywood – Southbank Centre, London

Concept & Book: Pravesh Kumar 

Songs & Music: Niraj Chag

Songs & Lyrics: Tasha Taylor Johnson

The crowning glory of a nationwide tour, Frankie Goes to Bollywood is at the South Bank. This production, a decade in production, was marinating in the mind of artistic director Pravesh Kumar for much longer. This ‘billion colour’ musical has a glittering audience in attendance, decked out in all their razzle-dazzle.

The story is in the title. Frankie, played by Laila Zaidi, is bored and going nowhere in Milton Keynes. She serves popcorn at the local cinema with her friend, Goldy (Katie Stasi).  Now dead, Frankie’s mother always encouraged her daughter to follow her dreams so after a fortuitous meeting with a director, Frankie is whisked to Bollywood for fame and fortune. But Bollywood has a dark side and when she signs a Faustian contract…well you can guess the rest.

Visually, this musical, a kind of Disney Masala, is a feast for the eyes. The set design by Rebecca Bryer comprises a giant Indian arch that glitters and glows in every colour of the rainbow with lighting by Philip Gladwell that sets the scenes beautifully. The history of Indian costume and Bollywood offer a rich pallet for costume designer, Andy Kumar, who combines the traditional and contemporary. Aesthetically, one of the most memorable moments is when a sari unfurls with a long train that dramatically doubles as part of the set to become a mountain or pathway.  As a spectacle with music, Frankie Goes to Bollywood hits lots of buttons with many costume changes, live accompaniment, and songs galore. It has an easy-to-follow storyline, accessible to all and there are many children in the audience having fun with their parents.

But back to the story. Although Frankie makes seven films in Bollywood and becomes a star, she also becomes acquainted with its seamy, disturbing side: corruption, nepotism, ageism, sexism. These are important aspects but feel more like tick boxes or throwaway headlines. There’s something disquieting about the sprinkle of references to domestic violence in India and female harassment being used like hundreds and thousands on an iced confection. There are some recognisable Bollywood dances – although audiences might expect more from the title and posters.  Much of the song and dance is on the contemporary, poppy side and feels a bit bland – except for the big closing number, arguably worth waiting for.

Although this musical has a female protagonist and a female lead storyline, the most memorable performances are from the male cast. Qoobi Robinson who plays Timmy Anand leads the dance ensemble with magnetic verve. Gigi Zahir, a multi-disciplinary cabaret artist plays Shona, the camp and comical social climber and Frankie’s fake friend. Geet Sagar is great entertainment value as RK, the ageing King of Bollywood with a suspicious head of hair and still living with his mother. However, the plot could not be more predictable and some of the acting is mesmerizingly wooden.

Although Frankie Goes to Bollywood has some key messages about a powerful industry, the commodification of employees and the perpetuation of negative stereotyping, it’s primarily about light entertainment and bringing escapism to the masses. With more glamour than grit, it’s a production that scores high on sparkle but less on satisfaction

Runs until 18 August 2024