“Frankie Goes to Bollywood” feels a bit like a samosa with no filling—while the show sparkles with its vibrant visuals and catchy dance numbers, it struggles to strike the right chord between themes. Although the music and performances were high points, the story’s indecisiveness made it feel like it was caught in a filmy love triangle between a parody and a serious drama. Still, for Bollywood fans, it’s a chance to relive some film magic — just don’t expect a full-on blockbuster.
Bollywood movies were a significant part of my teenage years—so much so that when I flew to India at just 19, my first stop was the towering fence surrounding Shahrukh Khan’s house in Mumbai ( which blocked any view of the actual home, but nevermind). Seeing a Bollywood-inspired musical coming to London, I couldn’t hide my excitement – it was like going back in time!
The story of “Frankie Goes To Bollywood’ follows Frankie (Laila Zaidi), a British girl who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the glitzy world of Bollywood after a chance encounter with an up-and-coming director. All she ever wanted was a close-knit family, but now she has to navigate the treacherous waters of fame and fortune. And from there, the story turns into proper Bollywood – we get the baddies, dancing, scenes with sarees blowing in the air in slow-mo… The only factor missing was the classic strong-knit conservative family theme – this was omitted as Frankie has no family but her best friend Goldy (Katie Stasi).
The first act, however, didn’t quite live up to the promise of a “musical of a thousand colours.” The costumes were a bit of a letdown, with too many black ensemble outfits showcased during the opening and not nearly enough of the classic sarees one would expect from a Bollywood-inspired show. The set design, while visually appealing with its lanterns and arches, seemed to shrink the practical size of the stage, especially noticeable in the Southbank venue where half of the stage was covered with curtains. I understand that it’s a touring show which needs to be flexible with the size of the stage it’s played on, but it literally looked like half the space was left empty in this case.
The second act really picks up, taking us into the exciting world of Bollywood celebrities, showcasing both the glamorous highs—like lavish parties and close friendships—and the tough lows.
The show tries to address how Bollywood treats its women, but this theme feels rushed and not fully developed. Just when it seems ready to explore something meaningful, it pulls back. I was definitely hoping for more here!
But let’s talk about the music. Drawing inspiration from both traditional Bollywood tunes and Western musical theatre, the score is a delightful hybrid. The musicians did a fantastic job, incorporating classic instruments like the tabla, and driving the high energy into the show. The standout musical moment for me was Malika’s (Helen K Wint) solo in the first act. It was the first proper Bollywood-style performance, complete with a saree and impeccable execution of a dance choreography. And so much sass!
The show is self-aware, making playful nods to classic Bollywood themes like slow-motion wind scenes, which Bollywood fans will appreciate. The story is aware of the classic Indian cinema traits and uses them as a wink towards the audience. However, it seems to straddle an awkward line between parody and drama. It could have been a straightforward, silly parody, but it isn’t. It also could have been a serious drama about a woman navigating a harsh, male-dominated industry, but it doesn’t fully commit to that either. This indecisiveness leaves the narrative feeling unsatisfying.
In conclusion, “Frankie Goes to Bollywood” is a mixed bag. It excels in its visual and choreographic elements but falters in delivering a compelling story. If you’re looking for a fun night out with impressive spectacle and great dance numbers, this show will not disappoint. If, like me, you’re a Bollywood fan, don’t think twice – grab your heavy jewellery and a saree, and just enjoy the show! An opportunity like this doesn’t come to London often.
Frankie Goes to Bollywood
Queen Elizabeth Hall , Southbank Centre
31 July – 18 Aug 2024
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