Published on: Nov 22, 2014
Bend it Like Beckham is coming to the West End stage !
News Announcement
After months of rumours it has finally been announced that Gurinder Chadha will direct the world premier of Bend it Like Beckham, which begins previews at the Phoenix Theatre in May 2015.
Chadha has collaborated with Paul Mayeda Berges to create the brand new book, with music and lyrics by Howard Goodall and Charles Hart. Aletta Collins will choreograph the show, with set by Miriam Buether, costume by Katrina Lindsay, Lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Richard Brooker.
Based on Gurinder Chadha’s multi-award winning 2002 film of the same name starring Keira Knightly and Parminder Nagra, the new stage adaption promises to be similarly entertaining!
Bend it Like Beckham follows the unlikely heroine, Jess who is torn between living up to her traditional Indian family’s expectations or to follow in the sporting footsteps of her hero, David Beckham.
As a Sikh young lady Jess, or Jesminder, has been forbidden by her family to play football. Despite their rules, Jess plays in the park which eventually leads to her being scouted by a similarly sporty girl named Jules. As Jess is enlisted to the Hounslow Harriers, her and Jules become best friends as they bid to rise to the top of their league. However issues begin to present themselves as Jess’ family become suspicious and both her and Jules fall for the same man. Uh oh!
Back Story
Bend It Like Beckham was a huge Box Office hit in its 2002, British comedy-drama film starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Shaznay Lewis and Archie Panjabi, first released in the United Kingdom. The film was directed by Gurinder Chadha. Its title refers to the football player David Beckham and his skill at scoring from free kicks by “bending” the ball past a wall of defenders.
The movie is about the 18-year-old daughter of Punjabi Sikhs in London. She is infatuated with football but her parents have forbidden her to play because she is a girl. She joins a local women’s team, which makes its way to the top of the league.
Cast
TBA
Book by Paul Mayeda Berges and Gurinder Chadha
Original music by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart
Adapted from the film Bend it Like Beckham
Produced by Sonia Friedman
Director – Gurinder Chadha
Musical direction by Nigel Lilley
Press Night at the Phoenix Theatre on the 24th June.
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