Rifco Theatre Company has officially announced the full cast and 2026 UK tour of its critically acclaimed musical Frankie Goes to Bollywood — a joyful, high-energy celebration of modern British South Asian life, bursting with romance, comedy and Bollywood spectacle.
Following an overwhelmingly successful run in 2024, the feel-good musical returns to stages across the UK after being seen by more than 35,000 people, with an impressive 63% attending theatre for the first time. The production’s return signals growing demand for inclusive, contemporary stories that reflect Britain’s multicultural identity on mainstream stages.
A Big-Hearted Musical About Dreams, Fame and Identity
Written and directed by Pravesh Kumar MBE, Frankie Goes to Bollywood tells the story of Frankie, an ordinary girl from Huddersfield who is unexpectedly swept into the glamorous, high-pressure world of Bollywood cinema.
As Frankie chases stardom under the glare of fame, she’s forced to confront what success really means — and what she’s willing to sacrifice along the way. The show blends classic musical theatre storytelling with the colour, scale and emotion of Bollywood, creating a vibrant, accessible experience for seasoned theatre fans and newcomers alike.
The 2026 tour also features brand-new Bollywood-inspired songs by composer Harry Anand, expanding the musical’s soundscape and bringing an even bigger, bolder Bollywood energy to the stage.
Sarah Pearson Returns as Frankie
Leading the cast is Sarah Pearson, reprising her role in the title part of Frankie. Her theatre credits include Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder (Edinburgh Fringe/UK Tour) and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, while screen audiences may recognise her from the BBC drama Virdee.
Speaking about her return, Pearson said:
“This show reflects and celebrates British South Asian experiences in a way that feels deeply personal and long overdue. I’m honoured to contribute to a story that resonates with our community and beyond — a story with honesty and heart.”
A Cast Celebrating British South Asian Talent
The 2026 tour brings together a dynamic mix of established and rising British South Asian performers, reinforcing Rifco Theatre Company’s ongoing mission to champion underrepresented voices on major UK stages.
The full cast includes:
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Sarah Pearson as Frankie
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Akshay Datta as Prem
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Meher Pavri as Mallika
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Luke Suri as Shona
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Ankur Sabharwal as Raju King
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Katie Stasi as Goldy
Cast Highlights
Akshay Datta as Prem
Prem, the idealistic young director, is played by Akshay Datta, an actor and singer with professional training across India, New York and Los Angeles, alongside formal study in Indian classical music. His screen credits include Jawan, Jug Jugg Jeeyo and Guilty Minds, with stage roles in Umrao Jaan Ada: The Musical.
Meher Pavri as Mallika
Joining the cast as Mallika — the reigning Queen of Bollywood — is Meher Pavri, a multidisciplinary performer whose international theatre work includes Mahabharata with Why Not Theatre. She has performed at iconic venues including the Barbican Centre and Lincoln Center.
Luke Suri as Shona
Comic relief comes courtesy of Luke Suri, who plays Frankie’s bold and extravagant confidant Shona. His credits include Jersey Boys at Trafalgar Theatre and extensive work as a production vocalist across major international cruise lines.
Ankur Sabharwal as Raju King
Bollywood royalty Raju King is portrayed by Ankur Sabharwal, whose two-decade career spans musical theatre, new writing and classical productions. His past roles include Come Fall in Love, Monsoon Wedding: The Musical, and Rifco’s Sepoys at Hampton Court Palace.
Katie Stasi as Goldy
Returning to the role she originated in 2024, Katie Stasi plays Goldy — Frankie’s best friend across continents. Her previous work includes Māyā at Soho Place and Betty Blue Eyes at the Union Theatre.
Rifco Theatre Company’s Ongoing Impact
With Frankie Goes to Bollywood, Rifco Theatre Company continues to redefine the UK theatre landscape by placing contemporary British South Asian stories front and centre. The production’s strong appeal to first-time theatre audiences highlights the growing appetite for stories that feel relevant, joyful and culturally resonant.
Learn more about Rifco Theatre Company at their official site: https://www.rifcotheatrecompany.co.uk/
