Manchester’s renowned Opera House is set to light up the stage with an exciting new production this spring — Come Fall in Love. This original musical comedy draws inspiration from the record-breaking Bollywood blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), a film that has become a cultural phenomenon not just in India but globally. However, this musical brings a fresh, modern perspective, blending the heart and humour of the classic story with a compelling cross-cultural spin that resonates with today’s diverse audiences.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, released in 1995, is often described as one of the most iconic Bollywood films of all time. It tells the timeless story of Raj and Simran, two young lovers who face familial and cultural challenges as they pursue their love. The film’s blend of romance, music, comedy, and family drama captured the hearts of millions, securing its place as a beloved classic.
Come Fall in Love honours this legacy but reinterprets the narrative for a contemporary stage audience. This adaptation shines a spotlight on the complexities and celebrations of cultural identity, especially relevant in today’s multicultural Britain. The musical cleverly weaves in themes of tradition, modernity, and the challenges of bridging different worlds — all while delivering toe-tapping songs, vibrant dance routines, and side-splitting comedy.
For fans of musical theatre, Bollywood cinema, or simply a good love story, Come Fall in Love promises an unforgettable experience. The production brings together talented performers, innovative choreography, and a catchy musical score that combines traditional Bollywood melodies with contemporary styles. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and novelty.
The setting of Manchester’s Opera House adds to the excitement. As one of the city’s premier cultural venues, it offers the perfect backdrop for this colourful, energetic show. The theatre’s central location on Quay Street makes it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.
What makes Come Fall in Love truly special is its cross-cultural appeal. Whether you’re familiar with the original film or new to the story, the musical’s themes of love, family bonds, and self-discovery are universal. It also reflects the rich diversity of modern British society, making it relatable to a broad audience.
The show’s humour and heartfelt moments create an engaging atmosphere where laughter and tears flow freely. Audiences can expect moments of high drama balanced with lighthearted fun — a recipe that has made Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge so enduring and beloved.
The production runs from Thursday, 29 May to Saturday, 21 June at the Opera House, 3 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3HP. Tickets are available now and are expected to sell quickly, so early booking is highly recommended.
From Thursday 22 May to Saturday 21 June, London’s Lyric Hammersmith Theatre will stage Marriage Material, a thought-provoking and heartfelt theatre adaptation of Sathnam Sanghera’s critically acclaimed novel. This production shines a light on the complexities of family life within a British Asian community, focusing on the hopes, struggles, and dreams of two very different sisters. As they each pursue contrasting futures, the play explores the delicate balance between cultural tradition and modern ambition.
Marriage Material centres on a British Asian family caught between old customs and new possibilities. The two headstrong daughters, each with a unique vision for their lives, represent the diverse experiences of young British Asians today. One daughter embraces the expectations of her cultural heritage, while the other pushes against those boundaries, seeking independence and self-determination. Their journey highlights the tensions that can arise when generational values clash with personal desires.
Sathnam Sanghera’s novel has been widely praised for its authentic and nuanced portrayal of British Asian life. This stage adaptation captures that same spirit, using sharp dialogue, humour, and emotional depth to explore universal themes of love, identity, and family loyalty. It invites audiences to consider how cultural heritage shapes us and the challenges of forging one’s own path amid expectations from family and society.
The production offers a rare and important perspective in contemporary British theatre, making it a valuable experience for audiences from all backgrounds. The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, known for showcasing bold and diverse storytelling, provides the perfect setting for this intimate yet powerful drama. With its vibrant characters and relatable conflicts, Marriage Material promises to engage viewers and spark meaningful conversations about identity, culture, and the future of multicultural Britain.
Tickets are available now for performances running from 22 May to 21 June at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, located at Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL. For more details and to book tickets, visit www.lyric.co.uk.
Whether you are a fan of family dramas, interested in British Asian narratives, or simply looking for an engaging theatre experience, Marriage Material offers a fresh and timely story that resonates deeply in today’s society.
On Saturday, 31 May, the Beck Theatre in Hayes, Middlesex, will host a spectacular celebration of Sufi culture and music with Qawwali Live: A Soulful Sufi Experience. This event invites audiences to immerse themselves in one of the most captivating and spiritually uplifting musical traditions in the world. Qawwali, known for its evocative poetry and dynamic rhythms, offers not just entertainment but a deep, meditative journey into the heart of Sufism—a mystical branch of Islam that focuses on love, devotion, and the divine connection.
Qawwali has long been celebrated for its ability to unite listeners through its intense emotional and spiritual appeal. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, this form of music brings together intricate vocal techniques, traditional instruments like the harmonium and tabla, and poetic verses often written by revered Sufi saints such as Rumi and Amir Khusro. These elements combine to create an atmosphere that is both hypnotic and uplifting, encouraging listeners to reflect on themes of love, unity, and divine presence.
At Beck Theatre, attendees will experience a live performance that honours this rich cultural heritage. The artists performing in Qawwali Live are skilled musicians who not only deliver powerful vocals but also engage the audience with the profound stories and meanings behind each song. The event promises an enchanting mix of timeless poetry, rhythmic clapping, and soaring melodies that echo the spirit of Sufi devotion.
For those unfamiliar with Qawwali, this event offers an exceptional introduction to a centuries-old tradition that has influenced music across cultures and continents. It’s an opportunity to witness how music can serve as a spiritual practice—transcending language and cultural barriers to touch the soul. For enthusiasts and long-time followers of Sufi music, Qawwali Live is a chance to experience the raw passion and heartfelt expression that define the genre.
The venue itself, Beck Theatre, provides an intimate yet vibrant setting, perfect for absorbing the emotional depth and energy of the performance. Located on Grange Road in Hayes, Middlesex (UB3 2UE), the theatre is easily accessible, making it an ideal destination for an inspiring cultural night out.
Don’t miss out on this rare chance to enjoy a truly uplifting and soul-stirring evening of Qawwali music. Tickets are available now and can be purchased via the Beck Theatre’s official website at www.becktheatre.org.uk. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful cultural experience or simply an enchanting night of live music, Qawwali Live: A Soulful Sufi Experience promises to be a memorable highlight of your spring calendar.
On Sunday, 25 May, music lovers in Middlesex and beyond will have the rare opportunity to experience an unforgettable evening with the legendary Anup Jalota at the Beck Theatre, Hayes. Known as the “Bhajan Samrat” (Emperor of Bhajans), Anup Jalota is a celebrated Indian singer and musician famed for his soul-stirring bhajans and ghazals that have touched millions worldwide. This culturally rich concert promises to bring the spiritual and poetic essence of Indian devotional music to life, right in the heart of Middlesex.
Whether you are deeply connected to Indian classical and devotional music or simply curious to explore a new musical tradition, this concert offers a perfect blend of spirituality, art, and heartfelt emotion. Held at the well-regarded Beck Theatre on Grange Road, this event is expected to draw a diverse audience eager to witness Anup Jalota’s mesmerizing performance.
Anup Jalota has been a towering figure in Indian music for over four decades. His unique ability to fuse the spiritual with the musical has earned him immense respect and a devoted fanbase not just in India, but internationally. Known for his deep, soothing voice and flawless diction, Jalota’s bhajans invoke a sense of peace and devotion, making them timeless classics.
In addition to bhajans, Anup Jalota is renowned for his ghazal renditions – poetic songs that express love, longing, and life's philosophical musings. His mastery in delivering both these forms of music with emotion and authenticity is unmatched. Audiences attending the Beck Theatre concert can expect to be transported through a variety of moods, from serene devotion to contemplative reflection.
The concert promises to be a carefully curated showcase of some of Anup Jalota’s most beloved bhajans and ghazals, as well as a few surprises for fans. The Beck Theatre, with its excellent acoustics and intimate setting, will provide the perfect atmosphere for a close connection between the artist and his audience.
Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with spiritual melodies and poetic beauty that celebrate Indian heritage and music traditions. It’s an ideal occasion for families, music enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing a slice of India’s rich cultural tapestry.
The Beck Theatre is located at Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2UE. It is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking facilities nearby.
Tickets for this much-awaited concert are available on the Beck Theatre’s official website at www.becktheatre.org.uk. Given the popularity of Anup Jalota’s performances, early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
This May, Birmingham Hippodrome will present Bibi Rukiya’s Reckless Daughter, a powerful dance-theatre production by acclaimed choreographer Amina Khayyam. Running on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May, the show explores how patriarchy is not only imposed by men but also reinforced by women within family structures. Through a striking fusion of contemporary and classical South Asian dance, the performance offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on tradition, control, and female agency.
Bibi Rukiya’s Reckless Daughter highlights the often-overlooked role women play in maintaining patriarchal values. Mothers, grandmothers, and other female relatives sometimes enforce social rules that restrict younger women’s freedom, passing down expectations through generations. Khayyam’s choreography captures this tension, portraying the conflict between obedience and rebellion with emotional intensity.
Blending classical Kathak with modern dance theatre, Khayyam uses movement and storytelling to examine cultural identity and gender roles. Her work invites the audience to engage with uncomfortable truths about power and tradition, making the performance both visually captivating and intellectually challenging.
Taking place at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre in Southside Birmingham, this intimate venue provides the ideal setting for an immersive and impactful performance. The theatre’s commitment to diverse and innovative productions makes it a fitting home for Khayyam’s exploration of social norms.
Tickets are available at www.birminghamhippodrome.com. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a fearless artistic exploration of how women both challenge and uphold patriarchy within families.
Keep ReadingShow less
Rushil Ranjan & National Youth Choir to Premiere Groundbreaking Choral Work in London
LONDON, UK – On Sunday, 18 May, Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s iconic Southbank Centre will come alive with the sound of a genre-defying choral performance, as acclaimed composer Rushil Ranjan collaborates with the National Youth Choir to present an innovative new work. Blending the intricate melodies of Indian classical music with the rich traditions of Western choral harmony, this performance is set to mark a major milestone in the evolution of cross-cultural musical expression in the UK.
Rushil Ranjan, widely recognised for his cinematic and emotionally resonant compositions, has crafted a brand-new choral piece that promises to transport audiences on a musical journey across continents and traditions. This latest composition is not just a concert—it is a cultural experience, designed to break barriers and celebrate the universality of music.
Known for his previous works with both British and South Asian artists, Ranjan’s unique musical voice is rooted in both his Indian heritage and his Western training. His ability to interweave Indian ragas with lush orchestration has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following. With this new piece, he brings that sensibility to the choral stage, offering audiences something they have likely never experienced before.
The performance is being brought to life by the National Youth Choir, a group of exceptionally talented young singers from across the UK. Known for their versatility, technical skill, and emotional depth, the choir has a long-standing tradition of performing challenging and contemporary repertoire. Their involvement not only highlights the next generation of British musical talent but also reinforces the importance of inclusive, boundary-pushing arts education.
By working with a composer like Ranjan, the choir continues to redefine what choral music can be in the 21st century—bold, diverse, and unapologetically global.
The Queen Elizabeth Hall, part of the prestigious Southbank Centre complex on Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, is a fitting venue for this world premiere. Known for its commitment to diverse and cutting-edge performances, it provides the perfect platform for this boundary-breaking collaboration.
Audiences attending this one-night-only event can expect an evening filled with emotional depth, technical brilliance, and a powerful message of unity through music. The performance will resonate with fans of choral music, Indian classical music, world music, and contemporary composition alike.