If you, like us, have been wondering how the score for new musical Bend It Like Beckham would be given a Punjabi kick, you’ll be as excited as we are to hear the first track released by the upcoming show.
UB2, the opening number of Bend It Like Beckham’s stage adaptation, has just been launched on YouTube, giving us all a chance to sample the tuneage that will be on offer at the Phoenix Theatre from 15 May.
Just as promised, the song, from the pens of Howard Goodall and Charles Hart, has a very classic musical theatre feel to it, but with more than a hint of Bhangra flavouring the piece.
The video also gives us the first chance to see the show’s talented cast in full song and dance mode. Leads Natalie Dew and Lauren Samuels both take to the football pitch to throw some shapes, while Jamie Campbell Bower plays it far cooler, casually strumming his guitar.
Bend It Like Beckham tells the story of Jess, a young woman with big decisions to make. Her family expects her to head to university, get a good job and marry, but she has the chance to follow her dreams and emulate her footballing hero David Beckham. As her sister’s wedding approaches, can she keep her family happy and go for her goals?
Dew, Samuels and Campbell Bower are joined in the cast by former EastEnders star Preeya Kalidas, Ronni Ancona, Jamal Andréas, Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke.
You can watch UB2 at the top of the page. If it has you kicking with excitement, you can buy tickets through us here.