Bhangra beats take over Warwick Arts Centre

Charting the rise of British Bhangra music from 1997, through the sequin-clad ‘80s to the R&B fusion of today, the show, say the makers of Britain’s Got Bhangra, is one of a kind.

Writer and director Pravesh Kumar, who has worked in Bollywood and written, directed and produced a long string of British Asian-themed productions, said: “It’s completely unique. It’s the first British Asian musical where everyone sings live and there is a live band on stage.

“Regardless of being Asian or not, it’s relevant to everyone. Forty per cent of my audiences are non-Asian. It’s a universal story of music and family and it is very funny and very entertaining.”

Born and bred in Slough, the 41-year-old is artistic director of Rifco Arts, which co-produced the show with Watford Palace Theatre and Warwick Arts Centre.

He said: “I am British Asian myself so I write from what I know and everything I do comes from work within communities. It starts in residential homes, schools and community centres.

“All our work is organic and truthful. It actually comes from the British Asian community.”

Audiences will be taken on a journey with Twinkle, who arrives in a cold UK from the fields of Punjab with a song in his heart and no money in his pocket. Can his talent shine through or will the remixed bling of the ‘90s DJ ruin his dreams?

Pravesh said: “Our work is popular and fun because it’s trying to entice a new audience. It’s celebratory and inclusive. We tend to stay away from hard-hitting plays.

“I have lived in India and because of that, I can really appreciate that Britain is almost a haven for an artist. There is a lot of support here. Not all countries have an Arts Council.

“And there is an audience that supports the arts, which is the most important thing.”

Britain’s Got Bhangra is on at Warwick Arts Centre from Tuesday until Saturday November 27 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm and a Sunday matinee at 4pm. For tickets, call 024 7652 4524 or go online.