West end show review: Beyond Bollywood 24 August to 3 September 2022 – Peacock Theatre
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- Published on Wednesday, 24 August 2022 23:45
- Last Updated on 24 September 2022
- Monica Costa
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Beyond Bollywood returns to the West End after great success in 2015. It is now hosted at the Peacock Theatre and it seems even more breathtaking than I remembered. The colourful and energetic extravaganza takes audiences on a journey through Indian culture, dance, and music, and presents the vibrancy and beauty of Bollywood.
The story
Written, choreographed, and directed by Rajeev Goswami, the show follows Shaily Shergill as she leaves behind her German home to venture in to India, on a mission to fulfil her mother’s dying wish of reviving her family’s failing theatre. Will Shaily’s sacrifices be worth it and will she manage to create an unforgettable show?
In the quest of fulfilling her mother’s dying wish of reviving her family’s failing theatre, Shaily Shergill a young talented dancer leaves behind her beloved home and life in Munich in Germany to journey India. Enroute to discover her Indian roots, she meets the charming choreographer Raghav who accompanies Shaily and shows India in complete new light and helps her discover herself like never before. Crossing oceans, risking all and sacrificing true love, will her Mother’s dream turn into reality via Shaily’s efforts.
The verdict
The dancers came to interact with the audience at the end of the show. I felt blending with them …
With more than 1200 costume and 2 Hours 20 minute of dancing, Beyond Bollywood is not just a musical; it is monsoon of emotion that brings the fire, heat and desire via Indian dance and takes audiences on a truly authentic cultural tour of Indian via Shaily’s journey. It makes one witness the color, energy and sheer exuberance of a world which is indeed Beyond Bollywood.
This musical journey of love and legacy has been Written, Choreographed and Directed by Mr. Rajeev Goswami, with Lyrics by Mr. Irfan Siddiqui and featuring original score by Mr. Salim Merchant & Mr. Sulaiman Merchant: the very best of Bollywood’s creative talent together bring this spectacular fun filled entertainment event to life.
Teenagers’ verdict
London Mums’ teen reporter Alice Battistuli (16) came along and gave us this feedback about the show: “Deep diving into other cultures. Knowledge has no end and everybody would certainly love to learn new things in a different and enjoyable way. The Indian show Beyond Bollywood definitely offers a wonderful opportunity to do that.
If you follow this advice, you will be able to both appreciate an amazing dance/music show and understand how some Indian traditions work.
Last but not least, if you’re still not sure whether to go or not, the breathtaking costumes are without any doubt a good reason to do so!
All in all, you will spend a really unusual evening and you’ll get a kick out of it!”.
This show suits children aged 5+ and can be a great opportunity to introduce young people to the Indian culture.
Tickets are available from here.
London Mums’ rating: 8/10.
You can read my review of the 2015 show here. The star rating then was 7/10. The new show has improved now.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
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