Rifco Theater Company has announced the lead cast and 2026 UK tour of its critically acclaimed musical, Frankie goes to Bollywood.
During its run in 2024, Frankie goes to Bollywood was viewed by over 35,000 people, 63% of whom were first-time visitors. Its 2026 edition looks set to be bigger than ever, with brand new Bollywood songs by composer Harry Anand.
Sarah Pearson (Kathy and Stella solve a murder, Virdee) as Frankie. She will be joined by Akshay Datta (Jug Jug Jeeyo, Guilty Minds) as Prem, Meher Pavri (The Mahabharata) as Mallika, Luke Suri (Jersey Boys) as Shone, Ankur Sabharwal (West Side Story, Evita) as Raju King and Katie Stasi (Maya) as Goldy.
Speaking about the lead role, Sarah said: “I’m so excited to be playing Frankie in this wonderful musical. This show reflects and celebrates the British South Asian experience in a way that feels deeply personal and long-awaited. I’m honored to contribute to a story that resonates with our community and beyond. A story with honesty and heart.”
Frankie goes to Bollywood is a joyful, big-hearted show that celebrates modern British South Asian life through love, laughter and Bollywood spectacle. It revolves around an ordinary Huddersfield girl who is thrown into the glittering world of Bollywood. As Frankie chases her dreams under the glare of fame, she must decide what she’s willing to risk and what she’s willing to sacrifice along the way.
The tour kicks off at BEAM, Hartford on April 2, before heading to Northampton, Leeds, Peterborough, Derby, Windsow, Hornchurch, Oxford and Birmingham. The race will finish in Bristol on June 28.
Frankie goes to Bollywood UK tour 2026
BEAM, Hertford | Thu 2 April – Sun 5 April 2026
Royal & Derngate, Northampton | Tue 14 Apr – Sat 18 Apr 2026 (Press evening: 16 April 2026)
Leeds Grand Theatre | Fri 24 Apr – Sat 25 Apr 2026
New Theatre, Peterborough | Tues 5 May – Sat 9 May 2026
The Derby Theatre | Tues 12 May – Sat 16 May 2026
Theater Royal Windsor | Tues 19 May – Sat 23 May 2026
Queen’s Theater Hornchurch | Tues 26 May – Sat 30 May 2026
Oxford Playhouse | Tues 2 June – Sat 6 June 2026
Birmingham Rep | Wed 10 June – Sat 13 June 2026
Bristol Old Vic | Wed 24 June – Sun 28 June 2026
Tickets to Frankie goes to Bollywood can be found here.
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