Following a sensational 2024 run that captivated over 35,000 audience members, Rifco Theatre Company has announced the full cast and extensive UK tour dates for the return of Frankie Goes to Bollywood. This "joyful, big-hearted" musical, produced in association with BEAM Hertford, continues its mission to bring contemporary British South Asian stories to the nation's most prestigious main stages.
A Star-Studded Return
The 2026 tour sees Sarah Pearson (Virdee, BBC) reprising the title role of Frankie, a girl from Huddersfield who finds herself thrust into the glittering, high-stakes world of Mumbai's film industry. Joining her is a powerhouse ensemble:
Akshay Datta as the idealistic director, Prem.
Meher Pavri as Mallika, the reigning Queen of Bollywood.
Luke Suri (Jersey Boys) as the extravagant Shona.
Ankur Sabharwal as the dynastic Raju King.
Katie Stasi, returning as Frankie’s loyal best friend, Goldy.
For the 2026 season, fans can expect an even more immersive experience with brand-new Bollywood songs penned by composer Harry Anand, designed to elevate the show's signature "spectacle" to new heights.
2026 UK Tour Dates
The production will travel across the country from April through June, bringing its vibrant choreography and "English storytelling meets Indian glitter" to the following venues:
April 2–5: BEAM, Hertford
April 14–18: Royal & Derngate, Northampton
April 24–25: Leeds Grand Theatre
May 5–9: New Theatre, Peterborough
May 12–16: Derby Theatre
May 19–23: Theatre Royal Windsor
May 26–30: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch
June 2–6: Oxford Playhouse
June 10–13: Birmingham Rep
June 24–28: Bristol Old Vic
Impact Beyond the Stage
The show’s previous success was notable for its accessibility, with 63% of the audience being first-time theatregoers. By blending traditional Bollywood aesthetics with a modern British narrative, Rifco continues to bridge cultural gaps and celebrate the South Asian experience with "honesty and heart."
