The Deranged Marriage provides a fresh look at the Asian marriage system with a uniquely British twist and welcomes the audience as wedding guests to take their part in the fun, tears, drama and chaos commonly associated with the 'Big Day'. RIFCO explore the relationship between tradition and conformity and ask whether British Asian adults can still observe the ancient tradition of arranged marriages within their modern lives? Guests will be introduced to the crying bride, controlling mother in law, dutiful son and endless gifts of toasters, whilst eating ladoos and setting off the mandatory party poppers!

RIFCO was established in 1997 to create a fresh voice in South Asian Theatre. Artistic Director Pravesh Kumar says: "The Deranged Marriage is a gathering of moments and thoughts from the many British Asian weddings I have attended since childhood. It is rooted in the truth and coloured with vibrant characters from real life."

The show brings together some of the best in British Asian talent. The mother of the groom, ex-EastEnders star Bindya Solanki will be enjoying the day she has waited for her whole life, while the mother of the bride, Mamta Anand (The Funjabis, Kismet Road) will be hiding her tears. Nervous groom Rishi played by Stephen Henry (The Bill, Kismet Road and Bollywood- Yet Another Love Story) will be weighing up his options and of course no wedding would be complete without the infamous singing Aunty, multi talented singer and performer, Baldip Kaur Jabble takes centre stage for the wedding sing-a-longs!

Featuring music from 'The King of Bhangra', Kuljit Bhamra, who has produced over two thousand songs, and the soundtracks for Bhaji on the Beach and Bend it like Beckham. He appeared in US Blockbuster The Guru and performed in the hit West End musical, Bombay Dreams.

Bollywood choreographer Anand Kumar (Kaise Kahon Ke Pyar Hain; Rules - Pyar Ka Superhit Formula) provides the sensational dance routines, having choreographed Kalion Ka Chaman- the backing track used in Addicted from Truth Hurts; and recently Ram Gopa Varma's 'James'. Wedding outfits will be the envy of wedding planners and have been specially created in Bombay by Nandita Therani of Ante designs.

The Deranged Marriage is written, produced and directed by the founder and Artistic Director of RIFCO, Pravesh Kumar, who has worked extensively in the UK for over ten years, producing RIFCO's last two hit shows (Airport 2000 -Asians in Transit and Bollywood - Yet Another Love Story). He played the lead in Tamasha's award winning production 14 Songs, 2 Weddings and a Funeral opposite Parminder Nagra and also played a leading role in the feature film Brothers In Trouble alongside Om Puri. Pravesh has recently produced two music videos for UK based artists Partners in Rhyme for their album Tera Mere Pyar.

The Deranged Marriage will take its wedding guests on a toe tapping, sari swirling, heart-wrenching journey steeped in the vibrant colours and traditions of Indian weddings. Take your seats, get your hankies ready and prepare yourself for the wedding of the year!

UK TOUR DATES

RIFCO is a non profit organisation based in Slough committed to creating new writing which explores and celebrates the British Asian experience and cultural diversity with the UK. RIFCO produces one touring theatre production, alongside a continuous educational and community program, annually.

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