Families are complex, difficult, often infuriating and nowhere does this become more apparent than at a wedding.

No matter what your culture or heritage, you’ll be cringing in recognition at the extravagant, over-the-top nuptials in The Deranged Marriage, the latest family comedy drama from Rifco Arts and Watford Palace Theatre.

“It’s a complete Punjabi wedding on stage,“ laughs Sheena Patel, who plays Kiran, the cousin of the bride, and who Palace regulars may recognise from her stints in the pantomimes Robin Hood, Mother Goose and Sleeping Beauty.

The Deranged Marriage tells the story of Sona and Rishi, who have agreed to get married in the traditional way, and the whirlwind wedding circus is on the move – with or without them. Their frenzied families go into overdrive to ensure this is the most elaborate wedding ever seen but, hidden among the show-off dance numbers and sparkling saris, a forbidden love story starts to unfold.

“Within this setting of the wedding, a lot of stories from the past are told and there’s a real tug-of-war,“ says Sheena, 30, who lives in Hayes.

“And amongst all the drama, there’s a lot of characters that add a lot of flavour and colour to this wedding. Some of them could easily be turned into caricatures – and some of them are – but they are very real. You’ll relate to it because there’ll be someone in your family that’s just like that, and that’s where the humour lies.

“It looks like a big farce but these things are real and they happen.

“I was at my cousin’s wedding eight years ago and there was a massive argument between the boys and the girls! And all the pretence happens as well – you pretend to like everyone, but you really hate them and wish they weren’t there!“

The party atmosphere is created by the 11-strong cast, who are learning to navigate each other on the stage through extensive choreography and movement rehearsals, as well as sumptuous costumes and vibrant sets.

The audience will be playing its part as well – if you’ve booked tickets in the front three rows watch out, you’re officially part of the groom’s family.

Rifco first staged The Deranged Marriage ten years ago and this is Sheena’s third collaboration with the award-winning British Asian theatre company – she has previously appeared in Britain’s Got Bhangra and Break the Floorboards at the Palace.

“I’m so pleased to be back, I love working with Rifco,“ says Sheena, who has also appeared on our screens in Emmerdale, EastEnders, Holby City and Law and Order UK, “and I love Watford and the Palace, it’s a second home to me. It’s like coming back to family.“

  • The Deranged Marriage is at Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford from Saturday, April 25 to Saturday, May 2 at 7.30pm, 2.30pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday. Details: 01923 225671, watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk