There are moments in every career that take you completely out of your comfort zone.
For Harpz Kaur, that moment arrived when she decided to audition for Surinderella.
Already a familiar face and voice through her work on BBC Asian Network and BBC’s Saturday Mash Up, Harpz has built a career engaging audiences with her infectious energy, quick wit and natural ability to connect with people. Theatre, however, was something entirely new.
Yet when Rifco Theatre Company’s celebrated British South Asian musical returned this summer, she knew she wanted to be part of it.
“I watched Surinderella last year and absolutely loved it,” Harpz tells Luxurist. “I’ve always wanted to give acting a go, so I auditioned earlier this year and was genuinely shocked when I got the part. Playing Devi Godmother is perfect. It suits me down to a T.”
That enthusiasm is unmistakable.
As Devi Godmother, Harpz brings warmth, humour and a touch of Bollywood sparkle to the stage, guiding audiences through the story with a character who feels every bit as vibrant as the actress portraying her.
“Devi is heartwarming, magical and so much fun,” she says. “Then there are the incredible sparkly outfits. If you imagine the Fairy Godmother with a Bollywood twist and a little extra bling, that’s exactly who she is. I’m such a desi person at heart anyway, so getting to tell Surinderella’s story with my own personality woven into it has been such a perfect fit.”
Although acting may be new territory, connecting with audiences certainly isn’t.
Years spent presenting live radio and television have taught Harpz how to read a room, think on her feet and make people feel part of the moment. Those skills have proved invaluable as Devi Godmother, a character who regularly breaks the fourth wall and keeps audiences engaged throughout the performance.
“I get to interact with the audience throughout the show, which is what I do every day as a presenter,” she explains. “Being able to merge those two worlds together has honestly been so much fun.”
Despite those similarities, Harpz quickly discovered that theatre demands a completely different discipline.
“Presenting requires huge amounts of energy, focus and thinking on your feet,” she says. “You’re constantly reading the room and adapting to the moment. Theatre is completely different.”
One of the biggest challenges, she explains, was learning to trust the script.
“As a presenter, you have the freedom to improvise and let conversations evolve naturally. In theatre, every single line matters because it serves the story. If you drift too far from the script, it’s difficult to bring everything back on track.”
Far from discouraging her, that challenge only deepened her appreciation for the craft.
“Physically, emotionally and mentally, it’s been far more demanding than I ever expected, but that’s exactly what has made it so rewarding.”
Produced by the acclaimed Rifco Theatre Company, Surinderella transforms a timeless fairytale into a joyful celebration of British South Asian culture. Blending Bollywood music, Bhangra, comedy and heartfelt storytelling, the production has become one of the company’s most loved family shows, offering audiences a fresh take on a familiar classic.
For Harpz, one of the production’s greatest strengths is the way every audience member can find themselves somewhere within the story.
“What I love most is that every character has such a distinct personality,” she says. “Whether it’s through their humour, their family dynamics or their dreams, there’s someone on stage that audiences will recognise from their own lives, or even see a little of themselves in.”
Like any memorable musical, she hopes audiences leave carrying a little of its magic with them.
“I really hope people leave the theatre humming the songs, laughing about their favourite moments and feeling inspired.”
At its heart, she believes Surinderella is about far more than entertainment.
“Surinderella is about believing in yourself, chasing your dreams and remembering that anything is possible. I hope every audience member walks away feeling exactly that.”
For someone making her acting debut, Harpz brings a confidence and authenticity that feels completely natural. It is a reminder that stepping into unfamiliar territory can often lead to the most rewarding experiences.
As Surinderella embarks on its nationwide tour, audiences can expect dazzling performances, infectious music and plenty of laughter. They will also discover a magical new side to Harpz Kaur, whose first theatrical role proves that sometimes the greatest adventures begin with saying yes to something you’ve never done before.
Credits:
Rifco Theatre Company: @rifcotheatre
Harpz: @harpzkaurofficial
Written By: @praveshkumar_mbe
Directed By: @ameetchana
Music and Lyrics By: @pbn1
Photos by Charlie Flint
