Rifco Theatre’s hit musical ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’ is back for a 2026 UK Tour, and I caught the show last night at Theatre Royal Windsor. Following Huddersfield-born Frankie as she enters the world of Bollywood to follow her dreams, Frankie, and the audience, are asked – how far will she have to go to achieve stardom? Tackling the gargantuan themes of feminism, corruption and the pitfalls of the creative industries through a Bollywood lens, Rifco Theatre provides a show that is as entertaining as it is relevant to our times. With Bollywood-inspired dance numbers, glitzy costumes and more fan machines that you can shake a sugarcane at, Rifco delivers on its promise of a big, Bollywood night out.
Pravesh Kumar’s book deftly handles some big conflicts. As well as taking the audience through the world of Bollywood, Kumar airs its pitfalls, discusses the idea of where we belong, Frankie finds conflict in her dual heritage, and does not shy away from the creative industries’ darker underbelly. With toxic masculinity, and racism on the rise, well referenced by the recent spate of flags we have seen popping up over the country, the show feels timely, and also timeless, ensuring that, despite the bold, Bollywood stamp, the story remains a relatable one for all.
It is the Bollywood in ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’ though that is the shows biggest seller, and undoubtedly what you will take away with you. Impressive dance numbers, complemented by well-crafted costumes and songs are abound – but at times the actors run risk of being drowned out by the orchestra. Although in the first half, some of the songs seem to be without explicit function – they are more there for the spectacle, musical numbers are better deployed in the second half, explicitly moving the plot forward or allowing character to soliloquize, helping the story to develop and breathe.
Holding the show together is undoubtedly Sarah Pearson’s Frankie. The role is a demanding one, but Pearson handles Frankie’s complexity and coming-of-age journey with equal amounts of fire and vulnerability. Although one could argue that Katie Stasi’s Goldy mainly provides comic relief, a solo song from her in the second half brings some great depth to the character, and the sisterhood bond between her and our heroine, which forms the core of the show.
The ensemble cast are incredibly impressive, standout performers being Tash Bacarese-Hamilton and Anna Maria Barber, who are well placed at the forefront. Dhruv Ravi, in a variety of roles, provides some sharp comic relief, and Kiran Kaanan’s switches from ensemble player to the spoiled Timmy are effortless.
As well as leaving with some empowering messages about reclaiming your story, finding yourself and fighting for your beliefs, you will leave with the best of Bollywood. The costumes, the dance, the songs – this is what you go to the theatre for.
4/5
Thanks for reading!
Photography by Richard Lakos
Tickets available here: https://www.rifcotheatre.com/live-shows/frankie-goes-to-bollywood-2
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