A desi twist on Cinderella brings Bhangra, Bollywood, comedy and magic to stages across the UK as Rifco Theatre Company takes Surinderella nationwide…reports London Daily News Desk
A much-loved fairytale gets a colourful desi makeover as Rifco Theatre Company takes its new production Surinderella on a nationwide UK tour. With Bhangra, Bollywood, comedy, romance and plenty of audience interaction, the production aims to bring the traditional pantomime experience to a new generation.
Pantomime is a familiar part of British theatre, but Rifco Theatre Company is giving the much-loved artform a distinctly British South Asian flavour with Surinderella, described as the UK’s largest-scale British South Asian pantomime of its kind.
Touring venues across the country from July to October 2026, the production reimagines the classic Cinderella story in the vibrant world of the Bolly-Woods, combining traditional pantomime ingredients with contemporary South Asian culture.
At the heart of the story is Surinder, played by Sonya Venugopal, known for Life of Pi Broadway and International Tour. A sweet and spirited young woman, Surinder finds herself trapped beneath an endless mountain of chores imposed by her selfie-obsessed, Insta-vlogging stepsisters, Lovely and Bubbly.
Lovely is played by Andy Kumar, former Bigg Boss contestant and host of India’s Got Talent, while Raheem Payne, also known as Dosa Cat, takes on the role of Bubbly.
Surinder’s unlikely ally is Basanti, a talking cow with an attitude that could rival any desi aunty. Her world changes when she encounters Prince Kavi, played by Rory Dulku, and the ever-optimistic Babloo, portrayed by Dhruv Ravi, known for Frankie Goes to Bollywood.
Then comes the magic. A mysterious slipper, a dazzling Bollywood Ball and the arrival of the fabulous Devi Godmother, played by Harpz Kaur, set Surinder on a chaotic journey filled with romance, comedy and plenty of bakwaas.
For Kaur, known for BBC’s Saturday Mash Up and as a former BBC Asian Network presenter, the production marks her acting debut.
The show’s musical identity comes from British Bhangra legend PBN, known as ‘The Hitmaker’. His soundtrack combines Bhangra, Bollywood and wider South Asian sounds, giving the production an energetic musical backdrop designed to complement its colourful theatrical style.
Pravesh Kumar MBE, Artistic Director of Rifco Theatre Company, said: “We’ve always loved the ingredients of pantomime – the humour, music and pure spectacle – so with Surinderella we’ve added our own masala to the mix.
“For many British South Asian audiences, it hasn’t always been a tradition they felt connected to, so this is about opening the door wider, introducing new audiences, and celebrating a much-loved British artform in a way that reflects modern Britain.”
Director Ameet Chana said: “Surinderella is a massive celebration of family, community, and pure theatrical magic. This is a fun-for-all Desi panto built for every kind of day or night out.”
He added: “Whether you’re planning a day out for the summer holidays with the kids, a big girls’ night out with bubbles to add to the show’s sparkles, or arriving with a full Desi entourage with the whole family and your Massis’ in tow, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Grab your crew and book your tickets now before the clock strikes midnight!”
The production’s cast is completed by ensemble performers Chiara Dev Galli, Sarjan Hira, Neha Eapen, Kuldeep Goswami and Aron Rhode.
With its mix of familiar fairytale storytelling and contemporary British South Asian references, Surinderella is designed to appeal to families, groups and audiences looking for a different kind of theatrical night out.
The UK tour begins at Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from July 16 to 19, followed by stops in Hayes, Bradford, Dunstable and Portsmouth. The production then travels to Manchester, Birmingham, Peterborough, Blackpool and Gravesend before concluding its run at Theatre Royal Stratford East in London from October 20 to 31.
Other London dates include artsdepot in Barnet from October 17 to 18, while Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre hosts the production twice during the tour.
For Rifco, Surinderella represents an opportunity to put a contemporary British South Asian identity at the centre of a classic British theatrical tradition, bringing together music, comedy, spectacle and community in a pantomime created with modern audiences in mind.
