Dita Von Teese Brings DIAMONDS AND DUST to the New Emerald Theatre

You can almost smell the whiskey and hear the clatter of poker chips in the air. London’s glittering West End is about to greet a brand-new theatre, the Emerald Theatre, and its very first production has more than a few surprises up its fringed sleeves. Burlesque icon Dita Von Teese is stepping behind the scenes as director for the world premiere of DIAMONDS AND DUST, a theatrical extravaganza that merges vintage Americana, the glamour of burlesque, and the high stakes of an Old West saloon. If that doesn’t pique your interest, it’s worth noting that Von Teese herself will take on the role of Lady Luck in select performances, bringing her signature poise and style to the heart of London’s newest venue. Fasten your garters and saddle up: this is one wild ride you won’t want to miss.

The West End’s Newest Gem

The grand unveiling of the Emerald Theatre, perched near Embankment station along the River Thames, is a landmark moment. According to Aaron Mellor, CEO of Tokyo Industries and owner of the venue, opening a theatre in “the world’s theatre capital” is both an honour and a major responsibility. Judging by the ambition behind DIAMONDS AND DUST, the Emerald Theatre isn’t playing it safe. This is a production designed to make a splash from day one: a brand-new space, a star creative team, and an immersive show concept that stands out in a district already brimming with iconic venues.

The show’s run starts on 16 June 2025, with an official gala opening set for 3 July. Given the fervour around the West End’s first new theatre in quite some time, it might be wise to mark these dates in your diary. Keen visitors can nab tickets from 12 February 2025, but you can expect them to disappear like aces up a card shark’s sleeve.

Dita Von Teese: Lady Luck and First-Time Director

For fans of burlesque, Dita Von Teese needs no introduction. Known worldwide for her sophisticated, vintage-inspired routines and a flair for high-end glamour, Von Teese has a reputation for redefining burlesque and sharing it with global audiences. This time, however, she’s donning a different hat—as the show’s director. While Von Teese has dazzled on stage in her own touring spectacles, DIAMONDS AND DUST marks her first foray into full-fledged theatre direction.

She’s not tackling it alone: Tosca Rivola, Dee Parsons, and Julian Stoneman have played integral roles in bringing this production to life. And, of course, there’s an added thrill for audiences, as Von Teese will also appear on stage as Lady Luck during select London performances. If ever there was someone well-suited to embody luck and temptation all at once, it’s the “Queen of Burlesque” herself. According to Von Teese, the production reflects her love for Americana, haute style, and burlesque flair—a trifecta that promises a fusion of saloon grit and opulent spectacle.

A Saloon Full of Surprises

DIAMONDS AND DUST invites us into a hazy Wild West saloon, where a notorious card dealer navigates a rugged, male-dominated frontier. Add a dash of Vegas-style casino glamour to this Old West tapestry and you have the backbone of the show. It’s a narrative described as “a tale of the good, the bad, and the lucky,” hinting at moral grey areas as well as show-stopping performances. Expect daring stunts that draw on both circus and burlesque, all woven together with classic Western iconography—think dusty bar counters, flickering lanterns, and maybe even a stray tumbleweed or two.

Best of all, you don’t have to be a card shark to appreciate what’s unfolding. The show features performers from both the West End stage and the avant-garde worlds of burlesque and circus—a collective that bridges mainstream theatrical tradition with underground flair. This varied line-up should offer something for every taste: comedic beats, enthralling physical feats, and the seductive glamour that’s become Von Teese’s calling card.

Behind the Scenes

While Dita Von Teese is the marquee name, a robust creative team has been assembled to ensure DIAMONDS AND DUST hits the jackpot. The storyline itself was conceived by Tosca Rivola and Emma Henley, with Rivola additionally collaborating on choreography alongside Matt Nicholson and Von Teese. Lewis Carnie takes on musical supervision—essential in a show that appears to transcend multiple genres and time periods.

Technical elements are covered by industry stalwarts: Philip Gladwell is in charge of set and lighting design, and Gareth Owen—a well-known figure in West End sound design—takes the reins on audio. Millinery is courtesy of Hood London, ensuring that cowboy hats and stage headpieces are anything but ordinary. Meanwhile, general management by MPSI Ltd aims to keep the entire production on track.

Behind the production are Rivola, Teese, Deborah Parsons and Julian Stoneman, with co-producers Sydney Max Lee, Sienna Sinclaire and Robert Testagrossa. It’s a wide-ranging team that draws from the best of both theatre and nightlife, converging on a single stage for a show that aims to shock and delight in equal measure.

A Taste for Adventure

One of the show’s most talked-about perks is the optional experiential dining experience, orchestrated by Lara Norman. Immersive dining is increasingly popular in London’s theatre scene: patrons can satisfy their taste buds with menus that align thematically with the show they’re seeing. In the case of DIAMONDS AND DUST, you might sample gourmet dishes inspired by frontier cuisine, all while soaking in the swirling lights and rowdy saloon ambience.

If you fancy stretching the night out, late-night entertainment will be on offer every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This unique after-hours element could well capture the spirit of a 19th-century tavern—where card games stretched until dawn, and unsuspecting travellers might find themselves enthralled by a passing performer. It’s a bold pivot away from the standard theatre format, encouraging audiences to dig deeper into the world of the show.

Dressing Up the Wild West

Few figures are as synonymous with glamour as Dita Von Teese, and her costumes are practically works of art. For this production, British designer Jenny Packham is crafting Von Teese’s stage outfits, while the legendary Christian Louboutin has been enlisted for bespoke footwear. Packham’s known for dressing A-listers in sparkling gowns that feel timeless yet modern, while Louboutin’s iconic red-soled shoes have graced catwalks and red carpets across the globe.

On top of that, some of Von Teese’s original props and signature costume elements—possibly including her famed oversized martini glass—could make appearances in the show. All of this ensures that the saloon setting doesn’t devolve into tired tropes. Instead, you can expect a lavish, fashion-forward interpretation of the Wild West, brought to life by a creative team that clearly values both authenticity and spectacle.

A Truly Wild Collaboration

DIAMONDS AND DUST is more than just a show about the Old West; it’s a collaboration rooted in personal passion. Tosca Rivola refers to the production as her “bittersweet love letter to the American West,” reflecting on its “romance and peril.” For Von Teese, the production marks a new chapter—diving into theatre directing with a piece that honours her established brand of glamour. And for the West End, the debut of the Emerald Theatre signals an ongoing evolution, blending nightlife aesthetics, immersive entertainment, and top-tier theatrical craft under one roof.

In many ways, this fusion of old-time saloon drama with the sophistication of a top-notch burlesque revue speaks to the broader direction modern theatre is heading. London, always in competition with cities like New York (and, if relevant to your travel plans, some top-tier Australian theatre hubs), remains at the forefront of theatrical innovation—constantly reimagining what an evening at the theatre can be.

The Final Saloon Call

As opening night inches closer, DIAMONDS AND DUST is shaping up to be an extravaganza that could redefine cabaret-style spectacle in the West End. If you’ve ever wished you could wander through a Wild West saloon, watch a high-stakes card game unfold, and then witness an enchanting burlesque performance under the same roof, here’s your chance. For the Emerald Theatre, it’s a glittering statement of intent: an unforgettable launch for a venue determined to stand apart in one of the world’s most competitive theatre scenes.

Ultimately, Dita Von Teese’s directorial debut might be the perfect metaphor for the show it headlines: daring, provocative, and cloaked in an air of luxury that refuses to apologise for its boldness. With optional immersive dining, late-night revelry, and an all-star creative team, DIAMONDS AND DUST promises to remind us that sometimes, fortune really does favour the brave. So roll the dice and take a gamble on this mesmerising Western fantasy—there’s a good chance you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve struck gold.