Sequins, smoke and powerhouse vocals lit up the Savoy Theatre last night as Burlesque The Musical celebrated its official West End opening.
The stage adaptation of the 2010 cult film is playing a limited summer run until 6 September, following rapturously received Manchester and Glasgow try-outs .
Xtina steals the spotlight off-stage
Co-executive-producer Christina Aguilera flew in for the gala, and turned the red carpet into her own catwalk at the gala opening, in a lace-up, barely-there black mini-dress that paid cheeky homage to the show’s “Dirrty” spirit.
Speaking to Sky News inside the auditorium, she called it “magical to see the talent that’s on this stage” and praised newcomer Jess Folley (“magnificent, magnificent”) for taking on her original film role of Ali Rose.
Critics: “Gloriously ‘dirrty’ makeover”
Early reviews suggest the gamble has paid off, with a number of four and five star reviews for the show.
Arifa Akbar, in The Guardian gave the show the full five stars ★★★★★, hailing the musical as “Stuffed with superb voices and sensational moves… Burlesque 2.0”. The Telegraph gave the show ★★★★ as “a cult hit in the making… zestily camp and sharply performed”, as did City AM and Radio Times. Read a full round-up of Burlesque reviews.
See all Burlesque photos and videos here >
Who’s who behind the glitter?
Directed and choreographed by Todrick Hall, Burlesque The Musical is written by Steven Antin, based on his screenplay for the original movie, with additional material by Kate Wetherhead. Songs in the show are by Christina Aguilera, Diane Warren and Sia from the movie, with additional songs for the stage musical by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley.
Burlesque stars Todrick Hall (Kinky Boots, Shrek The Musical) as Sean and Miss Loretta, Jess Folley (The Voice) as Ali Rose, Olivier Award-winner George Maguire (Sunny Afternoon, Bonnie & Clyde) as Vince Maguire, Broadway star Orfeh (Pretty Woman the Musical) as club owner Tess, Asha Parker Wallace as Nikki, and Paul Jacob French (An Officer and a Gentleman, Annie) as Jackson.
Booking information
Burlesque The Musical plays nightly at the Savoy Theatre (Strand, WC2R) with matinees on selected dates. Tickets from £25. The strictly limited engagement ends 6 September 2025.
Book tickets to Burlesque The Musical at the Savoy Theatre in London
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