Wednesday, October 8

New Bend it Like Beckham musical confirmed to open at Phoenix next Spring

Updated 31st October: it has now been confirmed that Bend it Like Beckham will start previews at the Phoenix on May 15th, with an official first night on June 24th. It is booking  to 11th July 2015.

The  news today that Once the Musical is to close at the Phoenix Theatre at the end of Ronan Keating's engagement on 21st March, gives strength to the rumour is that Bend It Like Beckham the Musical is taking its place.

Based on the 2002 film starring Keira Knightley, the musical has David Beckham's blessing and will be directed by Gurinder Chadha, who also directed the film, with  music and lyrics by Howard Goodall and Charles Hart.

The film centres around 18-year-old daughter of Punjabi Sikhs in London. Infatuated with football but forbidden to play by her parents, she joins a local women's team, which makes its way to the top of the league.

Accordin to Baz Bamigboye a developmental workshop was held last   October with  Samantha Barks playing 'Jules' ( portrayed by Keira Knightley in the 2002 movie) alongside Tara Divina as 'Jess' (originated by Parminder Nagra on screen) in the starring role. Frances Ruffelle, Shobna Gulati, Preeya Kalidas, Jamie Muscato, and Richard Fleeshman were also part of various workshops. There have also been number of rehearsed readings and workshops  including a big one in May this year at the Dominion Theatre which Andrew Lloyd Webber and theatre critic Mark Shenton attended.

Booking opens on for Bend it Like Beckham the musical on  7 November 2014 at 10:00 am.

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