BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM MUSICAL – A fantastically compiled musical
I had the privilege to attend one of the most talked about musicals of 2015, the Bend It Like Beckham Musical show in London at the Phoenix Theatre. I even watched the original movie the night before just to refresh my memory with some of the movie scenes, but to come to a musical and witness such a brilliantly compiled show, really kept me engaged with the on-stage performance. There shall be glimpses of color from set ups, Asian clothing as well as wedding sequence that really make the stage light up. You will hear catchy and likeable songs that have been composed for the show and you get to see emotions run high within the family.
Gurinder Chadha as showcased a fitting depiction of the movie through this musical where a whole bunch of star cast has inputted in making it a worthy show. Not only do you get some fantastic vocals and narrative lyrics, you also get to witness some scene acting that will make you laugh and ponder at times with the emotions that the main lead character Jess faces. The stage is set up in replicating a house, football training field, airport and the iconic Southall Broadway consisting of Jalebi Junction, Royal Sweets, Jas, Ramesh jewellers as well as few other stores from the broadway itself. There shall be dancing, wedding scenes, partying clubbing as well just to add a touch of glamor to the musical. The stage was set with well choreographed dancing sequences and in the end it will have you nodding your head along with the cast because it keeps you feeling the same things that the actors do on stage.
Personally, not once did my attention get taken away from what was being showcased, because all the scenes and background changes run smoothly, but at the same time the acting starts as well so it helps distract your attention with the changes of the backdrop that occurs. Even at one point you start praying that David Beckham will show up as a special guest and that happens but only for it to be a lookalike. As much disappointing it was not to see the real David Beckham, the musical did craft a Beckham into the stage creatively and made it look ever so realistic and believable to a certain extent.
I highly recommend that you go and watch the musical, as it does not disappoint at all. The show must go on and it surely does all the way to October. You will continue to get the chances to eventually experience a vibrant and energetic musical.
That will be the wrap of a wonderfully enjoyable musical made by a gifted director Gurinder Chadha. The show climax leads to the whole theatre erupt into applause and whistles. You walk away satisfied with your money and time valued from a show that gave such a delightful experience.
