GLITTERBALL SHINES ON STAGE

THEATRE company Rifco has consistently told unique stories about the British Asian experience and adds to that impressive list with new musical Glitterball (above), which is currently on a UK tour. The eyecatching production powered by the music of legendary singer Shirley Bassey belongs to Yasmin Wilde. She has written a beautiful story and brilliantly plays the lead role of a half-white, halfPakistani middle-aged single mother. From creating a compelling older character to delivering a multi-layered performance, filled with comedy, emotion, and beautiful singing, Wilde shows off her brilliance on stage. Her writing and the pitch-perfect directing of Pravesh Kumar results in a relatable human drama, which touches upon cross-cultural issues not often tackled on the British stage, in a wonderfully entertaining way. Special mention also to fellow cast members Janice Connolly, Nikhita Lesler, Simon Rivers, and the brilliant Victoria John for bringing their respective characters to life in one of the best productions of this year, filled with great moments from start to finish. www.rifcotheatre.com