Rifco Theatre Company’s Surinderella will tour the UK from July to October 2026, bringing together traditional panto magic, Bhangra beats and audience participation.
The production offers a Desi reworking of pantomime that aims to balance spectacle, humour and cultural familiarity, while also widening access to audiences who may not always see themselves reflected in the form.
Ameet Chana, director of Surinderella, said: “Surinderella is a huge celebration of family, community, and pure theatrical magic.
“It’s a fun-for-everyone Desi panto, made for any day or night out.
“Whether you’re heading out with the kids for a summer holiday treat, enjoying a girls’ night out with a few bubbles to match the show’s sparkle, or arriving with your whole Desi entourage — family and Massis included — you’re in for an unforgettable experience.”
The show will feature an original soundtrack by British Bhangra musician PBN.
Harpz Kaur, known for BBC’s Saturday Mash Up and as a former BBC Asian Network presenter, will make her acting debut as the Devi Godmother.
Andy Kumar, former Bigg Boss contestant and host of India’s Got Talent, returns to the stage as one of the stepsisters.
Surinderella follows Surinder, played by Sonya Venugopal, known for her role in Life of Pi on Broadway and the international tour. She is a young woman living under the control of her social media-obsessed stepsisters.
Her only companion is Basanti, a talking cow, until she meets Prince Kavi, played by Rory Dulku, Babloo, played by Dhruv Ravi, and the Devi Godmother.
The cast also includes Raheem Payne, Chiara Dev Galli, Sarjan Hira, Neha Eapen, Kuldeep Goswami and Aron Rhode.
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, pantomime hasn’t always felt like a tradition they could connect with, 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.”
For more information, visit www.rifcotheatre.com.
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