Victoria Slinger’s wish is simple enough - ‘Why can’t we all just get along?’ To that end Victoria, 32, from Clitheroe, is learning to sing in Hindhi for a vibrant new musical The Bollywood Girls of Blackburn, which aims to unite Asian and white communities.

It’s the first time a white performer has ever sung live in native Hindhustani, and naturally Victoria is a little nervous about the task.

“We start rehearsing this week and I’m hoping my Indian friend Razia is going to give me some tips. From what I’ve heard, it’s not going to be easy with a broad Lancashire accent.”

Victoria plays the role of Nora, a white girl bored with her life in Blackburn, who dreams of becoming a Bollywood star Dubbed as a ‘comedy to heal segregation’, the play highlights the common ground that exists between Asian and white people, even in racially- divided towns like Blackburn and Oldham.

Victoria, a former Ribblesdale High pupil, says: “Nora’s dad is borderline racist. He takes off Asian accents, and makes inappropriate comments about them not being British and wearing silly dresses.

“It tackles some very serious issues, but with humour. It’s all about adopting a different outlook on people of different races and religions. It’s fantastically funny, a true feel-good musical.”

Victoria, who studied contemporary performing arts at UCLAN and is involved in Project Panda, a global anti-racist arts programme, said: “Racism is a huge issue in Blackburn, You can see it in the town centre. There are groups of white kids and Asians and neither side mingles. That attitude is reflected in schools.

“But nobody is born racist. It’s an influence which is learned. We are all equal, regardless of colour of skin, or religion. We need to embrace all that is different.

“I don’t think we will change everyone’s mind, but we may cause some to question why they hold racist beliefs. There maybe a backlash, but this is a positive production.”

Bollywood Girls of Blackburn has been written by actor and writer Nakib Narat, 45, who lived in Blackburn until the age of 15, and has worked for Radio 4, The World Service and Granada. It is produced by Manchester’s 3MT Theatre, and will be performed over six nights from June 9 in Manchester, but will be coming to Blackburn shortly afterwards.

Nakib said: “The famous Cantle Report for the Government described neighbourhoods that had a ‘depth of polarisation’ around segregated communities living ‘a series of parallel lives’.

“Bollywood Girls of Blackburn aims to demonstrate that unity is possible through shared enjoyment of an entertainment culture that now encompasses the globe, with people from Russia to Iran to Malaysia and Germany, enthralled by the music and emotional content of Bollywood films.

“I was largely inspired to write the musical by my love of Northern comedy, from The Clitheroe Kid and The Bradshaws to Steve Coogan.

“I grew up with Bollywood films and, while travelling, have often been surprised, and delighted, by the way indigenous populations in countries like Poland and Russia, and here in Britain, embrace the escapism and fun of Bollywood movies.

“It’s amazing that so many Western mainstream performers use Bollywood samples and riffs - like The Pussycat Dolls to Britney Spears and The Black Eyed Peas.”

Nakib’s parents are from Gujarat in India.

“My dad had a market stall and then several shops and a warehouse.

“He started out as a lawyer in Malawi, so built up everything from scratch in coming here. I used to help out in Blackburn Market on the stall and really loved the characters from there. In fact, as part of our show night we will be serving authentic sarsparilla drinks just like in Blackburn Market.”

Nakib, who went to Blakey Moor School, also experienced racism while growing up in the town.

“There was lots of racism, especially with the rise of the National Front.

“I was never seriously physically attacked - just childish name calling, but the odd thing about Blackburn is that it has a vital connection with India.

“Gandhi made a special visit to the area and was cheered by the mill workers. Blackburn and Gujarat have had close connections through the textile industries for centuries, and most Asian families just slotted into the Mill town lifestyle.”

Bollywood expert Razia Mahmood, of Blackburn House of Fusion Dance Company, is advising on choreography. Actor Andrew Grogan, also from Blackburn, plays the role of Pat, and Kate Salmon, Youth Theatre Artistic Director of the Thwaites Memorial Theatre, plays Megan.

Audiences are encouraged to go dressed as a Bollywood hero, or heroine, for special prizes on the night. The 3MT Theatre is at Afflecks Arcade, 35-39 Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JG. Call 0161 834 4517.