Rehearsals underway for Bollywood Jane

Saris, sequins and lip-syncing love songs – if only life could be so simple

Over 30 people from Leicester and Leicestershire are rehearsing for Curve’s community production of Bollywood Jane this summer.

Running in the theatre’s Studio space from 2 – 11 Aug, Bollywood Jane is set on Leicester’s Golden Mile and packed with drama, dynamic Bollywood-inspired choreography and sparkling saris. The show is directed by Siobhán Cannon-Brownlie (The Crucible, 2018) with choreography from Kesha Raithatha (Traces, 2018).

In this Bollywood-spectacular meets kitchen sink drama set on Leicester’s famous Golden Mile, 16-year-old Jane and her mum, Kate are struggling to make ends meet. Heading to the local Bollywood cinema for work, Jane becomes mesmerised by the ultimate rom-com blockbuster, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).

As a friendship with local boy and cinema co-worker Dini looks to promise Jane her own happy ever after, she daydreams of escaping her reality. Swept into the technicolour world of her vivid imagination, Jane becomes the leading lady in her own Bollywood film.

The role of Jane is shared across the run by Chloe Wilson and Phoebe Lewis.

Speaking about the role, Phoebe – who shares the same birthday as DDLJ and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan – said:

“Bollywood Jane really appealed to me because I’m drawn to the vibrancy and sounds of Bollywood. I feel honoured to have been given the chance to play Jane, and look forward to bringing the character to life and working with such a wonderful diverse cast and creative team.”

Playing Dini is Rav Moore who lives in Leicester, he said:

“It’s an exciting project to get involved with. The show is set in Leicester and involves the local community, plus it has a big Bollywood-esque story line which is great for Bollywood lovers like myself!

“I am really excited to be involved in the big dance numbers, working with the amazingly talented dancers we have. I have performed in multiple plays and musicals since I was a child. Last year, I was the male lead for a dark comedy play that was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Bollywood Jane will be my second lead role this Summer!”

Rebekah Fleming, who performed in Curve’s 2018 Community production of Fiddler on the Roof will play Jane’s mum Kate. She said:

“I love Curve community productions and this one was very different so thought it would be nice to do something different for a change.

“I’m excited about the script, it’s pacey, funny and an opportunity to learn about another culture that I’ve always been fascinated by. I’ve been performing for a while and have done a few of Curve’s community productions over the years and love it every time. Curve is such a special place to me.”

Tickets for Bollywood Jane at Curve are on sale now. To book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit the Box Office in person at Curve.