Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuide and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide.
Northumberland
Theatre Company and The Bijli Project presents
How To Make A Killing In
Bollywood
Newcastle Northern Stage
Until Friday 4th
November 2016
Then Saturday 5th November 2016
at Longformacus Village Hall, Borders
Written and devised by Umar Ahmed &
Manjot Sumal
Directed by Umar Ahmed
Designed by Michelle Huitson
After success at Edinburgh Fringe and on tour, How
To Make A Killing In Bollywood lands in Newcastle and it is easy to see why it has been so popular. Mixing a
great comedy script with music and dance it is another example of why we love visiting Northern Stage.
Poor
Raza (Umar Ahmed) dreams of success as an actor but his roles have been limited
to those requiring Asian Males. He has had bit parts as a taxi driver, corner
shop keeper, doctor, terrorist – all of the stereotypes that go with what
people assume he can play. He wants a role in which he is simply cast as a male
actor, who just happens to be Asian. Between the auditions and roles he works
in the kitchen of his mate’s Scottish take away. Whilst Gurjeet (Manjot Sumal)
owns the place, it is Chacha (Adam Buksh) whom everyone takes notice of.
 |
| Photo: Keith Pattison |
Sick
of making cheesy chips for drunks at kicking out time and going to bed stinking
of onions Raza decides a trip to India in order to launch a
film career in Bollywood is the answer to his dreams. Gurjeet agrees to come
along for the ride, leaving ChaCha in charge of the business. The tale then
follows the journey around Mumbai and the people they meet including Varsha the
dancer (Storm-Skyler McClure).
There
is great chemistry between Umar and Manjot, as the best friends who go on the
trip of a lifetime, which help make the story believable. Added to this is
great support in a variety of roles from Adam and Storm-Skyler.
 |
| Photo: Keith Pattison |
Of
course there are a number of issues being dealt with throughout the tale, from
the lack of roles for minority actors
and the stereotyping that occurs in such roles, through to the quality of life
of Mubai’s inhabitants. None of the issues are given the heavy handed treatment
and, whilst there’s plenty to think about afterwards, the show doesn’t forget
it is billed as a comedy.
The
show gives the audience plenty to laugh with and it isn’t afraid to break the
fourth wall and involve the audience occasionally. The action occasionally
stops for a quick blast of amazing Bollywood-style dancing as light relief.
Choreographer Storm-Skyler McClure has created some really tight routines that
add to the flavour of the show.
A great story coupled
with characters that we can relate to and an engaging cast are a recipe for a
great night at the theatre.
This review was written by Stephen Oliver the North
East Theatre Guide – follow Stephen at @panic_c_button
Running
time: 2
hours including interval
Recommended 13+
Recommended 13+
Tickets:
Thursday
3rd - Friday 4th November at 7pm
Tickets:
£15.50 / £13.50 concessions
Box
office 0191 230 5151 http://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/how-to-make-a-killing-in-bollywood
No comments:
Post a Comment