Bend It Like Beckham

www.pheonixtheatrelondon.co.uk

The Harriers
http://benditlikebeckhamthemusical.co.uk

            I have been spoiled this trip. The weather has been amazing, I have seen more shows this month than I have in the past few years, and I’m getting to experience new culture everywhere I go. We got to see a preview of the musical Bend It Like Beckham, based on the 2002 movie. I had never heard of the movie, and I had no idea what to expect. Previews of theatrical productions are full-length performances for the public, but they are mainly used to find issues and improvements before the show is officially open.

Jess (in red) and her family
http://benditlikebeckhamthemusical.co.uk

            Earlier on the day of the show, we met with the show’s lighting designer Neil Austin. He gave us information about his life in the design world and all the drama that comes with it. One risky design choice we discussed and a main point of concern was the decision to make the stage a bright yellow. Usually with musicals, bright colors and flashy lights are what come to mind when it comes to design. Yellow; however, is one of the worst colors to use as a base to be tinted with other colors. With this concern in my mind, I contemplated how the color scheme would appear onstage. My worries were put at ease, thankfully!

            Bend It Like Beckham is about Jess an 18-year-old Indian girl from a strict family that did not approve her dream of wanting to play soccer and her adventures of following her vision, with the support of her friend Jules and coach Joe. Because the plot is somewhat based around Indian beliefs, a lot of Bollywood elements were incorporated to the production including dance moves, attire and song style. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this production because it gave me a new look on different cultures and common dreams shared around the world.

Horrible quality, but we met
Jamie Campbell Bower!!