Watermans is delighted to present the UK premiere of The Punjabi Theatre Academy’s Lion of Punjab, the story of the renowned figure, Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839). Inspired by history and local myth, this play traces the life of a man who became ruler of the Kingdom of Punjab at the age of 10 after the death of his father. Struck by smallpox, the Maharajah lost one eye developing a feature which would distinguish him throughout his life. He later remarked: “God needed me to pay my undivided attention to all religions ... that is why he took away the light from one of my eyes.”

Lion of Punjab is seen through the eyes of the Maharaja’s, last wife, Rani Jindan as she observes the intrigues of his court and struggles to define her role from that of servant girl to wife. In the production, the role is performed by two actors, Meryl Fernandes, who plays her as a teenager, and Asha Kingsley, as a mature woman. Both were last seen in the West End in the critically acclaimed, musical, The Far Pavilions.

Through humour and poignant moments, the show finely depicts the contra-dictions of this extra-ordinary monarch, who according to the writer, James Brabazon, “was an example to everybody for all time. He was absolutely unique in his combination of military skill and diplomatic skill.”

Ranjit Singh united his warring chieftains with diplomacy and force and expanded his territory as far as the Kyber Pass and the borders of Tibet. Although illiterate, he was a skilled statesman and a shrewd General – who recruited European mercenaries to modernise his army. In the show, there is a Gilbert & Sullivan type vignette which shows the transformation of his soldiers from an amateur ‘Keystone Cops’ to a formidable fighting force.

The Maharaja was able to keep the British East India Company from expanding into his territories and remained a thorn in their side until his death in 1839. His Sikh Empire crumbled, soon after and his son, Dalip Singh, was brought over to England and became a favourite with Queen Victoria. His Kohinoor Diamond was acquired by Lord Dalhousie and today forms part of the Crown Jewels.

Brabazon finds his subject to be a “many faceted character, who always retained his essential humanity and sense of obligation to human beings.”

The Maharaja remains a key figure of interest to both the Asian and British communities as he united a fiercely divided country, building a cohesive secular society transcending caste and religious divisions. He was a devotee of the Sikh faith, but he never imposed this on his subjects.

His Lahore Durbar was visited by European travellers, writers and artists for its style and patronage and the Maharaja was renowned for his love of wine and women and was married 12 times

Lion of Punjab features music composed by the highly acclaimed Kuljit Bhamra, who uses the poetry of the court poet, Shah Mohammed, to create a sense of epic and drama. “His poetry is similar to Shakespeare’s chorus, and drives the narrative.” It will be sung by Shahid Khan, the 19-year-old winner of Asian Star Search Competition (Hindi category) whose voice is a cross-between Adnan Sami & the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

With music, dance, romance, this is a theatrical spectacular, featuring stylish costumes from India, martial arts fight scenes’ and great songs sung in English and Punjabi.

Lion of Punjab features a talented cast of 12 actors, including, Pasha Bocarie as the Maharaja (from The Deranged Marriage) & Royce Ullah (Bombay Dreams). The fight director & actor, Keith Ducklin is the founding member of the Royal Armouries Museum’s Actors’ Company.

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