A new musical retelling the classic love story 'Laila' comes to the North West in May as part of a UK tour.

The musical comes from Rifco Arts is directed and written by Pravesh Kumar with lyrics by  Dougal Irvine.

The musical runs from 31 May to 4 June at the The Lowry, Salford.

Originating in 7th century Persia, the bittersweet story of star-crossed lovers has been passed down through verse and song over centuries. 

It was popularized by 12th century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi with his version Layla u Majnun and British poet Lord Byron described the story as the “Romeo and Juliet of the east”. Predating Shakespeare’s play by 700 years, it is said to have inspired the bard’s tragic love story and has been the basis for numerous popular Bollywood films and songs.

The story of young love and feuding families is being given a modern musical twist by the Laila creative team. 

Artistic Director of Rifco Pravesh Kumar said, “Laila Majnu is one of the oldest love stories but has rarely been told in the west. 

"The story has travelled across borders and generations through music and verse and is a natural musical. I wanted to share this beautiful story and look at the timeless themes of love and honour in today's multicultural Britain.”  

Also returning from Britain's Got Bhangra is singer Shin, who will be playing the role of Father. 

The musical also stars Reece Bahia as Qays, Ravin J Ganatra as Abba, Mona Goodwin as Laila, Kush Khanna as Atif, Sami Lamine as Tabrez, Sheena Patel as Zeenat and, Vedi Roy and Yinka Williams in the ensemble.

Rifco has been a resident theatre company at Watford Palace Theatre since 2011, creatively working together to bring audiences relevant and engaging stories which reflect the contemporary British Asian experience. 

Co-productions include Britain’s Got Bhangra (People’s Favourite Musical – OFFIES 2011), Break The Floorboards (Best Live Event – Asian Media Awards 2013), British Asian Film Festival, Happy Birthday Sunita and MummyJi Presents.

They recently completed a successful UK tour of comedy drama The Deranged Marriage.

Laila opens at Watford Palace Theatre in April 2016 before touring to The New Wolsey Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Warwick Arts Centre, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Theatre Royal Windsor and The Lowry.

FULL LISTINGS

2 - 17 April  Watford Palace Theatre  
watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk / 01923 225671

27 - 30 April  The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
wolseytheatre.co.uk / 01473 295900

4 - 8 May  West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds 
wyp.org.uk / 0113 213 7700

10 - 15 May  Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
warwickartscentre.co.uk / 024 7652 4524

17 - 21 May  Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch       
queens-theatre.co.uk / 01708 443333

24 - 28 May  Theatre Royal Windsor
theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk / 01753 853 888

31 May - 4 June The Lowry, Salford 
thelowry.com / 0843 208 6000