Bend It Like Beckham is a very new musical to the West End, because it premiered earlier this year, in May. It’s based on the 2002 film “Bend It Like Beckham”, but it has far more songs and dance routines than the film. The lyrics were written by Charles Hart, a man who has done other West End classics like the Phantom of the Opera. It’s been very well received by audiences, something I witnessed for myself – it got a standing ovation and massive cheers from a packed theatre. If you liked the original film or if you like Bollywood films, this could be the musical you’ve been waiting for.
The main character, Jesminder, is an 18 year old girl from Southall. She is born into an Indian family, and we meet them just as her older sister is getting engaged. This is hugely significant for Jess, as once her sister is married she becomes a “woman”, and could be married very quickly herself. She meets a girl her age who convinces her to join the local women’s football team, the Hounslow Harriers. Jess loves to play, but is concerned her parents won’t approve. Her suspicions are confirmed when her parents find out, but she continues to play in secret anyway. She truly excels, and everyone agrees she has incredible potential. But things get complicated when the coach pays her some very special attention…
The musical’s plot follows very closely to the original movie, but the staging is incredibly different. There is a permanent football box on the stage, which serves the plot well in the football scenes, and is disguised very easily during scenes in the family’s home. There is the silhouette of a house, which has beautiful wedding lights and a picture of a Guru hanging on the walls. In the background, there are revolving screens, which change depending on the scene. They’re very clever, but unfortunately they’re hard to explain to someone who hasn’t seen them. I guess you’ll just have to go along to find out!
The characters are very similar to the film characters. So much so, they even look similar to the actors in the movie! There are actually some pretty big West End names. Lauren Samuels, a finalist on the reality TV show Over the Rainbow, plays Jess’ friend Jules. Jamie Campbell Bower, an actor of both stage and screen (he was famously in Twilight as one of the Volturi members), plays the coach. Preeya Kalidas, who was also in the original movie, plays Jess’ sister. She’s a really good singer, and a real hit on the British Asian charts.
The music is a fusion of Bollywood and traditional, upbeat musical theatre. Some songs are distinctly Indian-themed, others are more West End. The dance routines are something to look forward too, especially because you can watch old and younger actors joining in the fun. Besides, Westerners haven’t really got the moves for Bollywood dance routines, and watching them struggle to fit in is something in itself. Overall, it’s upbeat, joyful, and funny, but it also confronts some of the issues facing British Asian communities across the country.
Image from: http://www.akauk.com/news/bend-it-like-beckham-the-musical-now-in-previews/
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