You've only got until June 27th to see the vibrant and colourful BEYOND BOLLYWOOD before it finishes its run at the London Palladium. Do get along if fancy an intoxicating evening of terrific Indian dance.I caught it a few weeks ago. The writers would like to think of it as a musical with a through story and complex characters and it includes all the inter-generational melodrama, simple humour and angst which makes Bollywood films so much fun. Unfortunately though these elements feel a little creaky when played out live on a West End stage.
But the wonderful thing is that none of this matters. The dancing is superb; an exhilarating fusion of classical and contemporary Indian music and moves. Some times it pulsates like a thrilling, modern pop video and at other times it's like a sun soaked tourist video of a more romantic time and place.
The huge London Palladium can feel like a cavernous, cold venue but not with the BEYOND BOLLYWOOD dance routines zinging across the footlights enticing you to your feet for a dance or to roar your appreciation.
A lot of the music sounded like backing tracks, although we are introduced to a handful of musicians on ancient and modern instruments at the start. The sound system is superb though and the music is pumped out at you with an exciting intensity.
The scenery is projected and as such is a little tacky but you can forgive the producers this economy because they provide 42 performers in hundreds of sumptuous costumes. It's genuinely eye popping!
Shows like this enrich the London theatre scene with international influences and the chance to discover other cultures.
Treat yourself to a journey through Indian artistry from the comfort of a seat in the London Palladium.
Productions at ENO of late have been so good they've even won over an opera sceptic like me. Now they've a spring season that's even more user friendly, there's tickets to suit most budgets and there's never been a better time to give the art form a try or simply to remind yourself how exciting it is to enjoy world class singers and musicians bringing great works to life.