Burlesque musical postpones tour opening

A change of dates has been confirmed for the first UK tour of Burlesque the Musical, based on the 2010 film written and directed by Steven Antin.

Originally slated to open at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking on 25 July before touring to 24 venues across the UK during 2026 and 2027, it has now been confirmed that the show will instead open at Sunderland Empire on 6 August. A tour stop at Woking Theatre will take place from 3 to 7 November 2026.

Faye Brookes stars as Tess Richarde, the owner of the Burlesque Lounge, a role originated on screen by Cher, alongside Gracie O’Brien as Ali Rose. The cast also includes Ryan Carter as Sean and Ms Loretta, Davide Fienauri as Vince, Tyler Davis as Jackson, and Vanessa Ela Young as Nikki.

The production has stated the move is in order “to give our creative team the time needed to deliver the spectacular production of Burlesque the Musical audiences adore.” Ticket holders in Woking have been contacted.

The musical follows Ali as she travels to New York in search of her mother, Tess Richarde. Drawn into the world of a burlesque club, she discovers her voice while uncovering unexpected family connections.

The production features songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Jess Folley, Todrick Hall and Steven Antin.

Antin serves as writer and creative director. The production is directed by Racky Plews, with choreography by Robin Antin and Aaron Renfree. Xena Gusthart is associate choreographer.

The producers are Christina Aguilera, Adam Paulden and Jason Haigh-Ellery, Steven Antin, Clint Culpepper and In Fine Company, with Toby Brewer serving as associate producer. They said in a statement this afternoon: “[We] have confirmed that the tour is fully financed and on a secure footing, as verified by third parties, allowing the company to focus entirely on delivering the highest-quality production possible for audiences nationwide.”

A separate London production of Burlesque the Musical has also postponed its run – this time to 2027 – as we’ve covered here. Further plans for that production are still to be announced.

It’s another chapter in a turbulent history of the show, following rocky beginnings in the West End and changes to creative team members – including the exit of former director, choreographer and star Hall. Last week, the touring branch of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU) published an Instagram story asking for any members involved in the production to “get in touch ASAP.”

A source, speaking to WhatsOnStage earlier this week, said of the Woking spell: “Everyone’s still very much in the dark, including the crew and venue staff.

“No trailers have arrived with set, so no fit up has happened in the first venue. Some venue casuals have had shifts cancelled as a result (with payment). Director and cast are rehearsing on an empty stage.”