Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bollywood musical Bombay Dreams is extending its run by six months following a huge demand for tickets.

BBC July 16 2002

Stage producer Andrew Lloyd Webber has received a standing ovation from the first night audience of his eagerly-awaited new musical Bombay Dreams.

BBC - June 19 2002

Mon - Sat 7.45pm, Mats Wed & Sat at 3pm (from 1st July 02 : Tues - Sat 7.45pm, Mats Wed & Sat at 3pm , Sun at 4pm)

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The story of Bombay Dreams is one of universal themes - dreams and ambitions, the desire to accomplish and the importance of culture and roots.

And at its heart it is a love story set against the backdrop of the colourful and magical Indian movie industry - 'Bollywood' - in Bombay, a city of stark contrasts where romantic fantasy and harsh reality live side by side.

The musical follows the story of Priya, the daughter of a wealthy Bollywood film director who falls in love with poor man Akaash.

LONDON (Reuters) - British critics gave theater impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical adventure, an extravagant version of Bollywood love story "Bombay Dreams," a qualified thumbs up on Thursday after its London premier.

Hinting at possible blockbuster status around the corner, the Daily Express described the lavish show, which received a standing ovation from a star-studded audience, as the "best film-world musical since Sunset Boulevard."

"Great fun, great costumes and a refreshing change from every other West End show," wrote reviewer Robert Gore-Langton.

Many admired the show, which tells the tale of a boy from the slums who dreams of becoming a Bollywood star and falls in love with the daughter of a movie mogul, for challenging the dominance of Anglo-American musicals -- even if it didn't hit all the right notes.

"It's a bold, inventive shot at something new that misses the target," London's Evening Standard concluded.

But the Daily Mirror found that after a faltering start, the love story managed to weave its infectious magic. "You can't help being seduced by its energetic charm... There can be no doubt that the wonder of the East has worked its charm on the West End," the paper said.

"Bombay Dreams," which has cost 4.5 million pounds ($6.71 million) to stage, has taken just two million pounds in advance bookings compared to the 10 million taken for the recent adaptation of children's film classic "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

"Bolly Good Show" ran one headline in the mass circulation tabloid.

Only the conservative Daily Telegraph struck a reserved note, saying that "although there was much to admire... there is much more that disappoints."

June 19 2002