Bollywood Comes To Birmingham In TAJ EXPRESS

Following a smash-hit season at The Peacock Theatre, London, a sell-out tour of America and a stop off in Film City, Mumbai, the all-singing, all-dancing Bollywood spectacular Taj Express arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tues 11 - Sat 15 September for a strictly limited run.

Transporting the kaleidoscopic colours of India into the heart of Birmingham, Taj Express follows the story of ones man's passion and another man's genius. Young composer Shankar struggles with his music, and it's only when he begins to follow in the footsteps of his idol, A.R. Rahman that he discovers his path to success. The production reveals the secrets of the world's most prolific film industry, and the people behind the screen who make the magic in India's factory of dreams.

Taj Express blends explosive dance with the hits of India's most iconic composers and is brought to life by the stars of Bollywood cinema and its greatest musicians live on stage and includes an unforgettable soundtrack featuring the songs of Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, composer of Danny Boyle's 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire. The production follows on from the success of The Merchants of Bollywood and Wah! Wah! Girls.

With a cast of multi-talented performers, Taj Express is an uplifting show full of colour, high-energy music and sensational dance scenes choreographed by one of Bollywood's top young choreographers, Vaibhavi Merchant and directed by her sister Shruti Merchant. The pair were part of the creative team behind The Merchants of Bollywood, based on the life of their grandfather Shri Hiralalji and Vaibhavi herself.

Vaibhavi Merchant started her career assisting her uncle Chinni Prakash, a renowned Bollywood film choreographer. She performed in the film Snehapoorvam Anna, but soon returned to choreography working on a variety of acclaimed Bollywood films including Kuch Na Kaho, Na Tum Jano Na Hum, Devdas and the Oscar nominated Lagaan. Her awards include a National Film Award for choreographing the dance 'Dhole baaje' in the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Prior to Taj Express, Shruti Merchant toured for over five years with The Merchants of Bollywood, visiting various countries from Australia, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, France, Singapore and the USA. During her career Shruti has also assisted in the choreography direction of various Bollywood blockbusters. As director of Taj Express, Shruti aims to give audiences a true flavour of Indian and entertain and enthral audiences of all ages across the world.

Taj Express visits Birmingham Hippodrome from Tues 11 - Sat 15 Sept. For tickets, call Information and Sales on 0844 338 5000 or visit birminghamhippodrome.com.

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