THE cast of the West End show Bend It Like Beckham last night revealed the first song UB2 from the highly anticipated musical.

The song is a tribute to Southall (postcode UB2) and features the cast setting the scene for the show.

A video was shot on the streets of Southall before rehearsals began.

The cast spent a day singing, dancing and stopping traffic, and took over one of the most iconic streets in West London.

Gurinder Chadha said: “UB2 is where Jess lives, and where I lived.

“We wanted to get people to start to feel the essence and heart of the music, and the best way was to bring it to life here in the heart of the community.”

London previews begin for the new British musical Bend It Like Beckham on May 15 with opening night on June 24. Natalie Dew plays football crazy Jess with Lauren Samuels as Jules, a player with the Harriers, a local women’s football team, and Jamie Campbell Bower as their coach Joe.

Ronni Ancona will play Paula, Jules’ mum, with Jamal Andréas as Jess’ good friend Tony.

Preeya Kalidas plays Pinky, Jess’ sister, with Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke as her parents, Mr and Mrs Bhamra.

Chadha acknowledged the core theme of the much-loved film and subsequent show, revolving around Jess’s relationship with her father, is very much based on her own life, and the show is a tribute to her late father, who never let colour or prejudice stop her from pursuing her passion.

Directed by Gurinder Chadha, with original music by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart, Bend It Like Beckham has a new book by Paul Mayeda Berges and Gurinder Chadha.

Opening week’s ticket prices for Bend It Like Beckham are £15 to £49.50 with some ‘Book It Like Beckham’ seats at £15 each in prime positions throughout the house.

For group bookings there is a rate of £49.50 per ticket.