Bend it like Beckham: the musical, Phoenix Theatre

Thirteen years since the release of the film, Bend it Like Beckham has hit the West End in 2015 – in musical form! Writer and director Gurinder Chadha (also behind the film version, as well as Bride and Prejudice and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging) has stated that she wants to present a new kind of musical 'part West End, part London Punjabi, but whole-heartedly British.' The shows production team contains some heavy hitters of musical theatre; lyricist Charles Hart boasts credits such as The Phantom of the Opera and Aspects of Love, and composer Howard Goodall, has a wealth of experience under his belt – his debut musical The Hired Man won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Musical and earned four Olivier Award nominations.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, Keira Knightley hasn't reprised her film role. Instead, BBC's Over the Rainbow finalist Lauren Samuels plays tomboy Jules. She's joined by Natalie Dew playing Jess. Dew has recently been seen on stage in the Royal Court and Hampstead Theatre. With a background in more traditional drama, she tackles the high-energy demands of a football musical with gusto! Football coach and love interest Joe is played by film star Jamie Campbell Bower (Harry Potter, Twilight). Though he is experienced on screen, this is Campbell Bower's West End debut.