Burlesque The Musical and music icon Christina Aguilera have revealed that for the first time, three performers will share the role of Ali Rose, one of the most coveted leading roles of the summer.
Burlesque The Musical is returning to the London stage in September and they’ve just announced that the role of Ali Rose, the waitress-turned-burlesque star created by Aguilera in the hit 2010 film will be shared by three actors: Natalia Jacques, Gracie O’Brien and Cecilia Petrush.
For the first time, three new stars will step into Ali’s heels across the West End and UK tour productions. Burlesque The Musical returns to London this September at the brand-new The Arts at Marble Arch, following a 100% sold-out, critically acclaimed and award-winning West End run at the Savoy Theatre in 2025.
View live availability for Burlesque The Musical here
Three stars, one spotlight
The three performers will take on Ali across the show’s different productions. Natalia Jacques, a recent graduate making her professional stage debut, will play Ali in the West End production at The Arts at Marble Arch. Gracie O’Brien, also making her professional stage debut, will lead the 33-week UK tour from July. New Yorker Cecilia Petrush, who impressed producers during a worldwide search for the role, will be the alternate Ali in London.
It’s a significant launching pad for all three. Ali Rose is a genuine star-making part: the small-town girl with an extraordinary voice who arrives in New York searching for her mother and is swept into the dazzling underground world of a burlesque club, discovering her power, her voice and an unexpected new family along the way.
Writer, producer and creative director Steven Antin (who wrote and directed the original film) said the three were chosen not to imitate Aguilera “because no one could or should,” but to “continue the legacy she began and bring their own fabulous magic to Ali.“
He added: “I wrote Ali for Christina — she was always my dream to play the role… now these three exceptional, talented actresses step into those heels.“
About Burlesque The Musical
Based on the iconic film starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, Burlesque The Musical is a glittering, high-voltage theatrical event packed with powerhouse vocals, jaw-dropping choreography and outrageous glamour.
The production features songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Jess Folley, Todrick Hall and Steven Antin, and is led by Olivier Award winner Cassidy Janson (& Juliet, Beautiful) as Tess.
Christina Aguilera, the seven-time Grammy Award winner, serves as Executive Producer of the stage version, with Steven Antin as writer, producer and creative director. Further casting and creative team announcements will follow.
Book tickets to Burlesque The Musical at The Arts at Marble Arch here
Plan your visit to Burlesque The Musical
- Theatre: The Arts at Marble Arch, Marble Arch, London W1H 7DX
- Booking dates: 12 September 2026 – 31 January 2027
- Performance schedule: Matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (check show page for full schedule)
- Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
- Age range: Recommended 12+ (contains strobe lighting, smoke and haze)
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