Words by Ed King / Production pics by Craig Sugden
Erdington locals can get their hands on free and discounted tickets to see Bhangra Nation – A New Musical at the Birmingham Rep theatre tonight (Wednesday 28 February).
Starting at 7:30pm, the first 50 tickets of this evening’s performance will be totally free to the lucky Erdington residents who book online or over the phone between 12noon and 6pm on (0121) 236 4455 – using the discount code ERDINGTON.
All remining tickets for Bhangra Nation on Wednesday 28 February will be discounted to £5 to anyone with an Erdington address. The performance will also be British Sign Language (BSL) interpretated.
Bhangra Nation runs at Birmingham Rep until 16 March, with more discounts for Erdington residents on the evening performances between 4-6 March and both the matinee and evening performances on 7 March. For more information direct from the Birmingham Rep click here.
Adapted from the book Bhangra Nation by Rehana Lew Mirza and Mike Lew, with music and lyrics by award winning musical theatre composer Sam Willmott, Bhangra Nation – A New Musical exploded on to the Rep stage earlier in February – telling the high octane story of a competitive bhangra team, Uni Bhangra, on their way to the national championship.
But as the dream starts to become a reality, the narrative explores the tug of war between traditional and modern values and ideals – told through the eyes and experience of teammates Preeti (Zaynah Ahmed) and Mary (Jena Pandya).
Directed by West End and Broadway’s Stafford Arima (Ragtime, A Class Act), and produced by the Tony Award- Mara Isaacs (Hadestown) and Tom Kirdahy (Hadestown, The Inheritance), Bhangra Nation – A New Musical is chorographer by Rujuta Vaidya – whose international credits across Hollywood and Bollywood include working with artists from Britney Spears to Priyanka Chopra.
Spokespeople from the production team told: “Bhangra Nation – A New Musical is a joyful, exuberant celebration of Bhangra and a deeply felt exploration of identity and community among young people finding their own way forward in the world.
“We can’t imagine a better home to help launch Bhangra Nation in the UK than in Birmingham.”
Birmingham REP Artistic Director, Sean Foley, added: “I am beyond thrilled to be welcoming the amazing cast, the award-winning producing team, the extraordinary international creative team, and this spectacular show, to the Birmingham Rep.
“In a City that has a claim to be the modern centre of Bhangra, I’m looking forward to seeing the show connecting with both our South Asian communities, and with all audiences looking for a great night out.”
Bhangra Nation – A New Musical / A look behind the scenes
Bhangra Nation – A New Musical run at the Birmingham REP theatre until 16 March. For more information direct from the theatre, with links online ticket sales, visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/bhangra-nation-a-new-musical