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Burlesque (stage musical)

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Burlesque
A Big New Musical
Promotional Logo
Music
Lyrics
  • Christina Aguilera
  • Sia
  • Diane Warren
  • Todrick Hall
  • Jess Folley
BookSteven Antin
Kate Wetherhead (additional material)
BasisBurlesque
by Steven Antin
Premiere13 June 2024: Manchester Opera House
Productions

Burlesque is a musical with a book by Steven Antin and additional material by Kate Wetherhead, and music and lyrics by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall, and Jess Folley. It is based on Antin's 2010 film and is produced by ADAMA® Entertainment Limited.

The musical's story centers on Ali Rose, an aspiring singer, who leaves her small hometown for New York in search for her mother; she becomes a dancer at a burlesque club.

Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, the original production of Burlesque played in Manchester, England, at the Manchester Opera House in June and October 2024, and in Glasgow, Scotland, at the Theatre Royal in September of the same year. It is set to make its West End debut at the Savoy Theatre in London in July 2025.

Background

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On 29 September 2023, it was announced that Steven Antin was writing and producing a stage musical adaptation of his 2010 film Burlesque. Christina Aguilera, who played the lead role in the film, joined the project as a producer. It was also announced that Aguilera, Sia, and Diane Warren returned to rework the songs they wrote for the original film, while Todrick Hall and Jess Folley were in charge of writing new songs.[1]

In November 2023, the musical was officially announced, and producers confirmed that it would have its world premiere in the United Kingdom in 2024.[2]

Productions

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Manchester and Glasgow (2024)

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The musical premiered at the Manchester Opera House in Manchester, England, on 13 June 2024, where it ran until 29 June. The show then played at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, Scotland, from September 11 to 28, 2024, and returned to Manchester from 3 October to 2 November.[3]

The show was directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, and produced by Steven Antin, Christina Aguilera, Adam Paulden, Jason Haigh-Ellery, Sue Gilad, and Larry Rogowsky. Ryan-Lee Seager served as an associate director and choreographer, while Antin's sister, Robin Antin also served as an associate choreographer and a creative co-producer. The musical had costumes by Ryan Dawson Laight, scenic design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting by Jack Knowles, and sound by Ben Harrison.[4]

The original cast featured Jess Folley as Ali Rose, Jackie Burns as Tess, George Maguire as Vince, and Todrick Hall as Sean.[5][4]

West End (2025)

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The musical played at the Savoy Theatre in London for a limited engagement from 10 July until September 6, 2025.[6] Todrick Hall replaced Nick Winston as director and choreographer.[7] Hall also reprised his role as Sean along with Jess Folley as Ali, and George Maguire as Vince. Joining the principal cast were Orfeh as Tess, Paul Jacob French as Jackson, and Asha Parker Wallace as Nikki.[8]

Some issues began to be reported from the production following its first preview performance, with some costumes reported to not have been ready for the performance and severe delays caused the performance to play for 3 hours and 40 minutes, with an alleged report saying the actors were not paid over time for the delay. The song “Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” was also reportedly cut from the first preview, causing public outcry on social media, including from the songwriter Diane Warren who was involved as a creative in the Manchester production. Warren later said on Instagram, as a response, that the show was no longer an adaptation of the original film and is instead lightly inspired by the film. The song was later added back to the production with the songwriter credited and Warren deleted her comment.

Equity have since said that they’ve began engaging with members and producers after a number of issues were raised.[9]

Musical numbers

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Manchester (2024)

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West End (2025)

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†Only in the song list for London West End previews.

††Replacing "Masterpiece" after London West End previews.

Cast and characters

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Character Manchester[10] West End[11]
2024 2025
Ali Rose Jess Folley
Tess Jackie Burns Orfeh
Vince George Maguire
Sean Todrick Hall
Jackson Michael Mather Paul Jacob French
Nikki Nina Ann Nelson Asha Parker-Wallace
Sophia Billie-Kay
Trey/Chardoney Ope Sowande Jack Dupree
Daphne Jess Qualter
Spring Hollie-Ann Lowe
Alternate Ali - Hope Dawe
Alternate Sean - Idriss Kargbo

References

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  1. ^ Gans, Andrew (29 September 2023). "Christina Aguilera Producing Stage Adaptation of "Burlesque" Film". Playbill.
  2. ^ Gans, Andrew (1 November 2023). ""Burlesque the Musical", With Songs by Christina Aguilera and More, Sets 2024 World Premiere". Playbill.
  3. ^ Gans, Andrew (12 January 2024). "Christina Aguilera's "Burlesque" the Musical Will Play Manchester and Glasgow Before West End Premiere". Playbill.
  4. ^ a b Gans, Andrew (7 February 2024). "Todrick Hall and More Join Cast of World Premiere of "Burlesque" Musical". Playbill.
  5. ^ Gans, Andrew (22 January 2024). "Jess Folley, George Maguire, Billie-Kay, Jess Qualter, More Cast in World Premiere of "Burlesque" Musical". Playbill.
  6. ^ "Burlesque the Musical to transfer to the West End". 24 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  7. ^ "Burlesque the Musical releases first look West End photos". 22 July 2025. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  8. ^ "Burlesque the Musical confirms lead West End casting". 27 May 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  9. ^ "Equity says 'number of issues' have been raised over Burlesque's West End production". 18 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  10. ^ "Creative & Cast | Burlesque The Musical". burlesqueonstage.com. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  11. ^ Gans, Andrew; Hall, Margaret (3 June 2025). "Cast Complete for West End's Burlesque the Musical". Playbill.
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