REVIEW - COME FALL IN LOVE | MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE | 12/06/2025

Come Fall In Love at Manchester Opera House – A Joyous, Colour-Drenched Celebration of Love and Culture

As a lifelong fan of romantic comedies, I couldn’t resist the chance to see Come Fall In Love—the brand-new musical making its UK debut right here in Manchester. Adapted from the iconic 1995 Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), this fresh take comes from the film’s original director Aditya Chopra, now teaming up with lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde, Mean Girls) and composers Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani to bring this classic love story to the stage.

This new version re-imagines the sweeping tale for a global audience while still honouring its cultural roots—and with a riot of colour, heart, and choreography, it had me smiling from start to finish.

At the heart of Come Fall In Love is Simran, a bright and principled British-Indian student studying at Oxford. With an arranged marriage awaiting her in India, she sets off on one final adventure across Europe with her best friend Cookie—only to find herself stuck on the same trip as the charmingly chaotic Rog. What begins as a clash of opposites quickly turns into something more tender and meaningful, as the pair explore not just Europe, but also their own hearts. This is a story about love versus duty, family expectations versus personal freedom, and what it really means to follow your heart. And while the plot may feel comfortingly familiar, it’s packed with so much warmth, humour, and sincerity that it feels like a fresh love letter to tradition and progress all at once.

Visually, this show is a feast for the senses. From sweeping Oxford skylines to candy-coloured celebrations in India, Derek McLane’s clever set design and Akhila Krishnan’s stunning projections effortlessly transport us across continents. Linda Cho’s costumes are a vibrant blend of East and West—flowing silks, sparkling saris, and preppy partywear that bring each moment to life. But it’s the choreography by Rob Ashford and Shruti Merchant that truly dazzles. Ensemble numbers erupt in joyful, high-energy movement, and the Festival of Holi scene was an explosion of colour and emotion that had the whole auditorium cheering.

The score by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani is packed with toe-tappers and tearjerkers. Songs like “Desi Kudi” and “I Give You The World” were instant favourites, and of course, the title track “Come Fall In Love” captured the whole spirit of the show—joyful, heartfelt, and utterly infectious.

Jena Pandya shines as Simran, bringing warmth, wit, and a subtle emotional depth to the role. Her chemistry with each character she shares the stage with is genuine and beautifully played—especially in moments of quiet conflict with her father or teasing tension with Rog.

Ashley Day is effortlessly charming as Rog—a lovable rogue who hides vulnerability behind bravado. He plays the comedic beats with ease, but it’s his sincerity that truly wins hearts as the show progresses. You can’t help but root for him.

Irvine Iqbal delivers a powerful performance as Baldev, Simran’s father—his presence anchors the show’s emotional arc. He brings nuance to a character torn between tradition and love, particularly in his moving moments of reflection.

And there’s plenty of comic relief and emotional sparkle from the rest of the cast too—Millie O’Connell as Cookie is cheeky and charismatic, while Kara Lane and Harveen Mann-Neary, playing the mothers of Rog and Simran, are sensational. Their duet brought laughs and applause in equal measure.

Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical is a jubilant celebration of culture, connection, and choosing love in all its forms. It’s the kind of show that sneaks up on you—starting light and sweet, then building into a full-throttle, high-energy finale that had the entire audience on their feet.

This is a musical that wears its heart on its sleeve, and it’s all the better for it. With a stunning design, a charming cast, and a soundtrack that will stick with you long after curtain call, Come Fall In Love is a glittering, joy-filled gem of a show.

💖 A show that wears its heart on its sleeve and sweeps you off your feet—Come Fall In Love is everything a rom-com musical should be.

Come Fall In Love is at the Manchester Opera House until Saturday 21st June 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Johan Persson