Wah! Wah! Girls, a major new Bollywood musical that brings together the vivacity of East London in 2012 and the energy of today’s new India, opens at Theatre Royal Stratford East on 6th September and runs until 29th September. Inspired by the Mujra dancers, who for generations have entertained the rich and powerful with a spellbinding mix of dance and song, Wah! Wah! Girls celebrates both the ancient form of Mujra dance and new dancing styles. Wah! Wah! Girls is performed to classic Bollywood tracks and new music. Bollywood songs in the show include Cholike Peechekya-Hai from Khalnayak (1993), Dil Cheez Hya-Hai from Umrao Jaan (1981) and Maar Daala from the film Devdas (2002).

Tanika Gupta, the shows writer says: ‘With modern India now emerging in the forefront of global economic power, things are changing. I wanted this new musical to capture something of the changing dynamic in India, whilst locating it in London, exploring how the British culture is being influenced increasingly by the subcontinent.’ Set in East London in 2012, Wah! Wah! Girls is a passionate and playful story complete with love, villains and lots of laughs. The show tells the story of the unstoppable Wah! Wah! Girls, a group of friends who dance in a local club, who uncover deep secrets and create unexpected dreams.

Wah! Wah! Girls has been written by acclaimed playwright Tanika Gupta (Gladiator Games at Theatre Royal Stratford East) with music by Niraj Chag (Baiju Bawra at Theatre Royal Stratford East). Directed by multi-award-winning director Emma Rice (The Red Shoes and Brief Encounter) the show features an impressive creative team that also includes celebrated Bollywood choreographer Javed Sanadi, Kathak choreographer Gauri Sharma Tripathi (South Bank Centre associate artist), set and costume designer Keith Khan, lighting designer Malcolm Rippeth (Olivier award-winner for Matilda) and sound designer Simon Baker.

Artistic Director, Kerry Michael says: ‘We are very excited to be presenting Wah! Wah! Girls at Theatre Royal Stratford East as part of World Stages London and the London 2012 Festival. It is the theatre’s vision is to break new ground with musicals that bring contemporary and diverse music into the mainstream of British theatre. This collaboration has brought together some outstanding talents to create a great night out.’

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