As it celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2019, South Asian performing arts company Phizzical is delighted to announce full casting for the world premiere of its upcoming musical thriller Stardust.
Created by Shahid Iqbal Khan and Samir Bhamra, the show tells a tangled tale of romance and reincarnation, set against the backdrop of the contemporary music industry.
The show will also break new ground in British theatre, as the first South Asian theatre production on a UK stage to feature same-sex marriage. It will also explore topical issues such as the #MeToo movement, toxic masculinity and the patriarchy.
Amor is the Whitney Houston of the Bollywood music industry in the late 1980s. She is silenced when she uncovers an explosive secret involving Cyrus, her music producer and husband.
30 years later, British Asian singer Amar is struggling to make his mark as a mainstream star. When he discovers Amor’s songs, Amar plunges into an extraordinary journey that culminates in a chilling encounter with Cyrus.
Paying homage to the reincarnation genre in popular Indian cinema, as well as to cult Bollywood films such as Mahal and Om Shaanti Om, this brand new show from the makers of Bring on the Bollywood combines pulsating dance numbers with an original soundtrack by Robby Khela, featuring an eclectic mix of romantic, pop, R&B and Bollywood-style tracks.
Playing the central role of Amar will be actor, singer and songwriter Robby Khela, who has penned original pop and R&B songs for the musical.
Joining him will be Amanda Clapham, best known for her portrayal of Holly Cunningham in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks – a series regular and fan-favourite for the past five years.
The cast also features the familiar face of Sophie Kandola as Amor. Christoph L. Dorocant will take on the role of music mogul Cyrus Singhania.
Lending their powerful vocals to complete the cast of Stardust are Harriette Mullen, Nataylia Roni and Aizaac Sidhu.
Stardust is the third production by deaf writer Shahid Iqbal Khan, whose development has been nurtured by Phizzical’s associate artist scheme, where he has been mentored by Michael Attenborough CBE and BAFTA nominee Janys Chambers.
Stardust makes its world premiere at the Belgrade Theatre 14-21 September.
