The book for the London show was written by Meera Syal, actress, novelist and well-known television writer (Goodness Gracious Me). Many critics had thought her book for Bombay Dreams was weak and lacked intriguing situations.

The American edition, presented by Waxman Associates and TGA, roped in Thomas Meehan, one of the best known names in American theatre, to strengthen the book last year.

Meehan won the 2003 Tony Award for Hairspray and the 2001 Tony Award for co-writing the book for The Producers. Both shows are huge hits on Broadway, each earning about $1 million per week. Meehan also received his first Tony Award in 1977 for writing the book of Annie, his first Broadway show. In addition, he is a long-time contributor of humour to The New Yorker; an Emmy Award-winning writer of television comedy; and a collaborator on a number of screenplays, including Mel Brooks' Spaceballs and To Be Or Not To Be.

When Meehan agreed to work on the Broadway edition of Bombay Dreams, the show at once received a high profile among the industrywallahs.

Email this page to a friend