Frankie Goes to Bollywood at Derby Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Sheridan Brown

Last night, my partner and I had a wonderful evening at Derby Theatre. We’d been invited to attend the opening night of Rifco Theatre Company’s dazzling musical theatre production, ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’. Returning after a smash-hit UK tour, the production promised to be ‘bigger and bolder, bursting with Bollywood glamour’! We only know a little about Bollywood culture, and were excited to get a taste of the music, dancing and high drama that we hoped it would offer.

Frankie Goes to Bollywood tells the story of a young British girl who, after a chance meeting, gets swept into the world of Bollywood films. She is a star in the making – but soon realises there is a cost to that stardom. Can she pursue and hold onto celebrity whilst maintaining her sense of self-respect? Directed by Pravesh Kumar MBE, the production explores Frankie’s story, successfully balancing spectacle, parody, humour and tenderness. Hidden beneath the sequins and the sparkle, lies a thoughtful story about identity, reinvention and belonging.

We’d been invited to arrive early if we wanted to catch some of the pre-show events that Derby Theatre had laid on for the performance. As we arrived in the upstairs foyer, the smell of delicious food hit our nostrils. Anoki, a local restaurant near Derby, had set up a table with a range of tasty curries, rice and naan breads. As we enjoyed our meal, we were treated to the music of local duo Jin and Seeta who entertained us with a range of classic and contemporary Bollywood and Bhangra songs. What an amazing atmosphere they created! The rich diversity of the audience was such a joy to be part of. We clapped, sang along, where we could, and some even danced. A lady, sitting beside me, laughed as she explained (with a wink) the meaning of the words and hand gestures for one of the songs. All of this set the perfect tone for the performance that was to come!

As the start time of the production approached, we moved into the auditorium ready for the show. With just over 500 seats, the venue is the perfect size for such a production. There is enough of a crowd to create a great atmosphere – but the space is not so large so that the audience feels disconnected from the performance on the stage. As we settled in our seats, we took in the opening scene. Framing the stage (Rebecca Brower) was a beautiful, golden Mughal-style multifoil arch – and behind it another. A shimmering metallic foil show curtain, along with stylised portable stage spots, hinted at the glamour and glitz of Bollywood film studios. Lighting Designer, Phillip Gladwell’s contributions to the staging were impressive throughout.

From the opening number, we were immersed into the spectacle, colour and energy we associate with Bollywood. Both the main cast and ensemble sang and danced their hearts out, in number after dazzling number. Like the films, to which the production pays tribute, Frankie Goes to Bollywood embraces colour, spectacle, song and dance as a story-telling device. Vibrant dance numbers, soaring ballads and comic songs come together to pay homage and gently poke fun at the genre’s excesses.

Sarah Pearson (Frankie), was superb throughout. She beautifully captured the physical mannerisms and emotional nuances of Frankie as she transitioned from awkward obscurity, through wide-eyed starlet, glamourous (and tortured) celebrity and back to authentic self. Performing alongside Pearson was an amazing Principle Cast and Ensemble. Many of the performers played more than one role, seamlessly transitioning between characterisations. They all threw themselves into every dramatic twist and comic flourish with fearless enthusiasm.

We were particularly drawn to Katie Stasi’s characterisation of Goldie. As Frankie’s cousin and best friend, Goldie was a funny, sassy character and Stasi played her with warmth, wit and excellent comic timing. Stasi’s voice was equally impressive. She was able to smash out both Bollywood banger and emotional ballad with equal talent.

Both of the leading men, Akshay Datta, who played Prem and Ankur Sabharwal, who played Raju King brought a typically-Bollywood mix of romance, villainy and comedy to the show. The chemistry between Prem and Frankie was particularly palpable; the standout moment was their duet in Act 1 – their voices beautifully capturing the tenderness of their developing relationship. Another spine-tingling moment was where fading star Malika (played by Marina Lawrence-Mahrra) laments on her fall from the limelight. Her performance was truly spellbinding.

For all of the characters, it was the music that drove their narrative. There was a clever mix of live voices and stylised Bollywood lip-sync sequences that reflected the conventions of the genre. Songs and music (Niraj Chag and Tasha Taylor Johnson) came together with Bollywood anthems (Harry Anand) to create a vibrant patchwork of sounds. Supporting all this was the amazing live band, directed by Josh Sood. A range of eastern and western instruments came together to create a rich sound that resonated in our chests and superbly complemented the voices of the performers.

But we shouldn’t forget the costumes! Designer, Andy Kumar has created a real sense of spectacle with the sheer scale of costumes in the show. Glamour, high camp and beautiful classical dress all had a place in the show. Each scene had its own costume identity and contributed clearly to the narrative – as well as being a real feast for the eyes! A special shout-out must go to Kate Turner, Masie Wilkinson and Jaheda Choudhury for managing so many complex and speedy costume changes – I can only imagine what it was like backstage!!

All in all, actors, music, choreography and staging all came together to create a wonderful spectacle, filled with emotional depth. By the end of the evening, we felt less as though we’d watched a piece of musical theatre – more like we’d been invited to an amazing party. Frankie Goes to Bollywood at Derby Theatre was a stunning package of flamboyant unapologetic entertainment from beginning to end.

Rating: 4/5
Dates: Tues 12th May – Sat 16th May 2026
Tickets: £18 – £53
Remaining shows are bookable here: https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/frankie-goes-to-bollywood/