In association with Nations Trust Bank, Colombo welcomes the West End–licensed musical across seven shows in five days

Cinnamon Life, in collaboration with John Keells Foundation (JKF) and in association with Nations Trust Bank (NTB), announced the staging of the West End–licensed musical La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz at a press conference held today (05) at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, Colombo.

The musical theatre production will be performed at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, Colombo, from 24–28 April 2026, featuring seven performances across five days. The production will also include local auditions to source part of the cast from Sri Lanka, bringing together international and homegrown talent for an energetic and immersive theatrical experience.

A Landmark International Theatre Production

La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz is a West End–licensed professional musical that delivers vibrant music, dance, and storytelling inspired by Mexican heritage. The production features a cast of 19 performers, 6 musicians, supported by a crew of over 40, and full stage design, reflecting the scale and sophistication of West End productions.

In partnership with Paul Morrissey Ltd, a London-based theatre production company with extensive experience in West End and international productions, the show ensures globally aligned creative direction, production quality, and operational excellence.

Paul Morrissey, Founder of Paul Morrissey Ltd, said, “La Bamba! is a celebration of collaboration across cultures. The local auditions allow Sri Lankan performers to participate in the production alongside international artists, creating a performance that is dynamic, diverse, and exciting for audiences.”

Cinnamon Life: A Stage for Global Entertainment

Cinnamon Life has previously brought major international productions to Sri Lanka, including The Sound of Music in February 2018 and West End’s Mamma Mia! in December 2018, both hosted at an alternative venue, each selling over 7,000 tickets across multiple shows. With La Bamba!, Cinnamon Life now presents a production of this scale for the first time at its own state-of-the-art premises since its grand opening last year, further reinforcing Colombo’s position as a hub for world-class entertainment.

Designed to accommodate over 900 seats, Cinnamon Life’s Forum is equipped to host large-scale performances, featuring advanced backstage and rigging facilities. The Forum is fully capable of presenting seven shows in five days, providing a polished stage environment for both international and Sri Lankan performers.

Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels & General Manager, Cinnamon Life, said, “With La Bamba!, we are creating a platform where audiences can enjoy exceptional theatre right here in Colombo. The production demonstrates our commitment to enriching the city’s cultural offerings and supporting the growth of local talent in a professional setting.”

John Keells Foundation: Supporting Cultural Engagement

John Keells Foundation (JKF), the Corporate Social Responsibility entity of the John Keells Group, is the presenting partner for La Bamba!. Established in 2005, JKF supports long-term initiatives aligned with national priorities, with the arts playing a role in fostering dialogue, creativity, and social cohesion across communities. It's involvement in La Bamba! reflects sustained efforts in supporting Sri Lanka’s creative industries through accessible, high-quality cultural platforms.

Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR, John Keells Holdings PLC, said, “John Keells Foundation is delighted to partner on La Bamba! and support a production that brings together international expertise and local artistry. We see this as a wonderful opportunity for Sri Lankan artistes to showcase and develop their skills and help position Sri Lanka on the global cultural stage.”

Associate Direction for the Local Cast

The local cast will be guided under the associate direction of theatre practitioner Kalakeerthi Jerome Lakshman de Silva. With over five decades of experience in musical theatre and stage direction, Jerome brings deep expertise in large-scale, ensemble-driven productions, ensuring that La Bamba!’s performance resonates with both its West End roots and international audiences.

Jerome said, “La Bamba! is a production rich in rhythm, movement, and narrative. It is a privilege to be part of this musical, which blends rich storytelling with dynamic performance, and I look forward to guiding our local cast in bringing this vibrant show to life for a diverse audience.”

The production blends expert stagecraft, choreography, and live music, offering Sri Lankan performers exposure to professional production techniques while audiences enjoy a show on par with West End offerings.

Audiences are encouraged to secure their seats early for this limited-run production and witness the vibrancy of West End theatre in Colombo. Tickets for all performances are available at www.cinnamonboxoffice.com, with a special 10% discount for purchases made using Nations Trust Bank American Express or Nations Trust Bank Mastercard Credit Cards.

La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz is presented by Cinnamon Life and John Keells Foundation, in association with Nations Trust Bank, powered by John Keells Properties, along with Official Indulgence Partner Imorich, Official Chocolate Partner Revello, Official Cinema Partner Scope Cinemas, Official Outdoor Digital Media Partner Emerging Media.