BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL to Light up the West End this Summer
You might recall the original 2010 film that inspired this sumptuous stage sensation. Directed by Steve Antin, the movie introduced us to Christina Aguilera as Ali Rose, a hopeful young dreamer who packs her suitcase and leaves her small-town life behind to seek stardom in Los Angeles. By sheer chance, Ali stumbles upon a beleaguered burlesque lounge owned by the inimitable Tess, portrayed on screen by none other than Cher. While the film didn’t land in every critic’s good graces upon release, it quickly secured a fervent fan base, drawn by its heartfelt story and showstopping tunes. Now, the story continues its evolution, trading Hollywood for the London stage.
This stage adaptation, once again penned by Steve Antin, features music by a powerhouse collection of artists: Christina Aguilera, Sia, and Diane Warren, plus additional numbers crafted by Jess Folley and Todrick Hall. Kate Wetherheadhas contributed extra material for this new theatrical outing. In effect, we have an impressive creative ensemble—some might say an embarrassment of riches—transforming the glitz and drama of the film into an immersive live performance.
Experience the Glamour
Those itching to get a front-row view of the spangles and spotlights should mark 10 July 2025 in their calendars. That’s the date BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL opens at London’s prestigious Savoy Theatre, where it will run until 6 September. A gala night, which is sure to be peppered with glamorous star appearances and a sumptuous after-party, is scheduled for 22 July. While casting announcements remain on the horizon (a secret many theatre insiders are desperate to uncover), the suspense only adds to the sense of excitement. If you’ve had your fill of standard musicals that come and go with little fanfare, rest assured this show will bring a sizzling dose of intrigue to the West End summer.
More Than Just a Feather Boa
For some, the mention of “burlesque” conjures images of whimsical fan dances and saucy comedic sketches. But there’s a deeper essence to burlesque that has, for centuries, threaded together satire, sensuality, and empowerment in equal measure. The stage version, much like the film, isn’t simply about fishnets and high notes—though we’ll be treated to plenty of both, no doubt. It’s the story of a woman who dares to dream of a grander life and who finds her voice, literally and metaphorically, within the smoky shadows of a fading theatre.
It’s easy to overlook the film’s earnestness, given its over-the-top glamour, but in a 2018 interview with a popular entertainment magazine, Christina Aguilera touched on the universality of that central narrative. She explained how Ali, the naïve ingenue from nowhere, embodies the courageous leap so many of us yearn to make: stepping out of our comfort zones in pursuit of something extraordinary. Whether or not you’ve ever belted out Show Me How You Burlesque in your living room, it’s hard not to be swept up by a character who fights for her place in the spotlight.
The Journey to London
You might be wondering how exactly we went from a Hollywood flick with iconic pop powerhouses to a full-blown theatrical spectacle in the heart of London. Well, the journey involved trial runs, or “previews”, that were staged in Manchester and Glasgow last year. Word on the street is those initial productions tested the boundaries of what a stage version could accomplish in terms of set design and choreography—two crucial elements in any musical, but particularly one where dance plays such a central role.
During the Manchester stint, I spoke with an up-and-coming choreographer who was assisting on the production. She confessed she’d never staged anything quite so ambitious: “It’s one thing to replicate a film’s famous routines. It’s a whole other challenge to adapt those scenes for a live audience where the transition from soft ballad to high-tempo dance break needs to happen in seconds.” According to her, the team took a cue from the show’s name and threw themselves into exploring all that burlesque has to offer, from comedic bump-and-grind moves to modern interpretations set to pulsating pop tracks.
By all accounts, the audiences were enthralled. The creative team took the best of the test runs, refined the approach, and now the production is poised to dazzle West End crowds.
A New Take on Familiar Songs
It might surprise fans of the movie to learn that the stage version isn’t simply an identical copy-and-paste of the film. While you can expect favourites like Express and You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me, new songs have been woven in to flesh out character arcs and heighten tension. This fresh material, penned by Jess Folley and Todrick Hall, reveals aspects of Ali and Tess that never made it to the big screen. Sources close to the production hint at a sizzling duet that adds emotional heft to Tess’s backstory, along with a comedic showstopper for the ensemble that aims to break the fourth wall in true burlesque style.
The creative team also brought in Kate Wetherhead to add dimension to the storytelling, refining character motivations and transitions between scenes. While many stage adaptations of films rely on the skeleton of the screenplay, BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL sets itself apart by building fresh layers. I’m told the second act especially benefits from these enhancements, with a more thorough exploration of Ali’s inner turmoil when she realises that the lounge—her one big chance at stardom—may close forever.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Still on the fence? Let’s talk facts. According to a recent industry survey, musicals based on popular films have consistently drawn in larger crowds than average West End shows by nearly 30%. Audiences who recall the glitzy trailer or who sang along to the film’s pop anthems are often keen to witness their favourite moments live on stage. Combined with the West End’s unique ability to draw in travellers from around the globe—particularly during the summer holidays—there’s every reason to believe this will be among the season’s hottest tickets.
Further data comes from the Manchester run itself. Despite starting as a lower-profile project, the early preview performances frequently played to packed houses, with weekend tickets becoming particularly hard to come by. A friend of mine who manages a box office in Glasgow reported a similarly enthusiastic response, pointing to a trend: once people see a snippet of the show’s flair online (think social media videos of those flamboyant costumes and belted tunes), they’re much more inclined to purchase a ticket.
The Anticipation Builds
Of course, Christina Aguilera herself couldn’t contain her excitement. In her own words, “I’m proud that BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL is coming to London’s West End! Our journey of making this film to bringing this show to the stage has been so special and exciting. Following our successful previews, having the show land in the West End later this year is a dream come true!” Indeed, the pop icon’s connection to the project has always been intensely personal, from starring in the film to lending her unmistakable voice to the soundtrack. One can only hope she might make a surprise appearance on the Savoy’s stage—or, at the very least, be spotted in the audience, cheering on the talented cast.
Some musicals tap into our love of spectacle; some delve into our deepest yearnings for self-expression; and others remind us of the electric thrill that comes when a single spotlight hits a performer who’s willing to lay it all on the line. BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL does all three. At heart, it’s a story of perseverance—of finding your people, your stage, and your own brand of defiance amid the harsh realities of show business.
So if you fancy a night where the footlights gleam brighter than any day job and each note resonates with a can-do attitude that’s impossible to resist, the Savoy Theatre is set to be your playground from 10 July to 6 September 2025. Keep an ear out for casting news, because that announcement alone could spark a fresh wave of ticket frenzy. After all, musicals that promise this level of sequin-strewn bravado don’t come round every season. And if anyone dares to tell you otherwise? Well, as Cher once crooned so memorably in the film, You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me. This is your chance to witness a dream taking flight—one that, by all accounts, is ready to captivate the West End and beyond. Get ready, lovelies: you’re about to be reminded why live theatre still has the power to make hearts flutter and spirits soar.
