Press Release: The Merchants of Bollywood, Peacock Theatre 28 January - 15 February 2014

[Jan McNulty]

THE MERCHANTS OF BOLLYWOOD
Peacock Theatre, WC2
Tuesday 28 January - Saturday 15 February
Performances Tue - Sun at 7.30pm, Sat & Sun at 2.30pm
Tickets: £18 - £45
Ticket office: 0844 412 4322 or www.sadlerswells.com

 

“The frenetic flow of onstage activity is almost non-stop. It's a high octane pleasure!” The Times

 

After more than 1,000 performances worldwide, including a sell-out critically acclaimed international tour and two packed London summer seasons, the theatrical dance show The Merchants of Bollywood returns to the West End’s Peacock Theatre from 28 January - 15 February 2014, featuring brand new choreography and all the latest high-energy Bollywood hits.

 

A theatrical dance extravaganza, The Merchants of Bollywood charts the history of the world’s largest and most prolific film industry and the dynasty of stars that have lit its way over generations.

 

Written and directed by Toby Gough and produced by Mark Brady, the show draws inspiration from the story of the Merchant family’s choreographing dynasty, who for generations have been Bollywood’s leading figures in film-making, music and choreography.

Featuring a cast of over 40 multi-talented performers, this uplifting show is a riot of colour, high-energy music by award-winning duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant and sensational dance scenes choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant, one of Bollywood’s top young choreographers.

 

Vaibhavi Merchant started her career assisting her uncle Chinni Prakash, a renowned Bollywood film choreographer. She has worked on a variety of acclaimed films including Kuch Na Kaho, Na Tum Jano Na Hum, Devdas and the Oscar nominated Lagaan. Her awards include a National Film Award for choreographing the dance ‘Dhole baaje’ in the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

 

Earlier this year she choreographed a song for the film Bombay Talkies, celebrating 100 years of Bollywood cinema. Merchant’s choreography incorporates many different styles of Indian dancing including folkloric dance from Rajasthan and contemporary forms such as disco, and demonstrates the true variety of Bollywood musicals.

 

The success of films such as Slumdog Millionaire has brought worldwide attention to the Bollywood film industry and has widened its audience. The UK has the largest Bollywood fan base outside of India and there is a notable diversification of its output, developing traditional genres to accommodate the enthusiastic British fans. Stage shows such as The Merchants of Bollywood offer a live Bollywood experience to a growing international audience.

 

Already seen by over two million people worldwide, this heart-warming show is both a delightful homage to the world of Bollywood cinema and a truly extraordinary evening of music and dance.

 

Tickets for under 16s are half price, please contact the ticket office for more information.

 

There will be a free post-show Bollywood classes for ticket holders on Tuesdays throughout the run (excluding 28 January).