Bend It Like Beckham announces booking extension

New musical Bend It Like Beckham has extended its booking period to 20 February 2016 at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End.

It was also announced that the Original Cast Recording of the show, which features original music by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart, has been released on digital outlets and will be available to buy physically from 11 September 2015.

Bend It Like Beckham opened for previews at the Phoenix Theatre on 15 May 2015, with an official opening on 24 June 2015. The show received positive reviews, with critics praising the score and adaptation to the stage.

The cast is led by Natalie Dew who plays football crazy 'Jess' with Lauren Samuels as 'Jules', a player with the Harriers, a local women's football team, and Jamie Campbell Bower as their coach Joe. They are joined by Sophie-Louise Dann as 'Paula', Jamal Andréas 'Tony', Preeya Kalidas as 'Pinky', Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke as 'Mr and Mrs Bhamra'.

"Jess needs extra time. She is facing the most important decision of her life; live up to family expectations of university, career and marriage, or follow in the footsteps of her hero David Beckham. When the talented teenage footballer is spotted playing football in Southall, a world of opportunities opens up before her. But as the day of her sister's traditional Indian wedding approaches, Jess needs to pick sides."

The production is directed by Gurinder Chadha, with original music by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart. It features a new book by Paul Mayeda Berges & Gurinder Chadha; choreography and musical staging by Aletta Collins; set design by Miriam Buether; costume design by Katrina Lindsay; lighting design by Neil Austin; sound design by Richard Brooker and musical direction by Nigel Lilley.