Burlesque the Musical confirms lead West End casting

Burlesque has revealed lead casting and creative team for its West End transfer.

Based on the 2010 musical drama film, directed by Steve Antin, the show revolves around a small-town girl named Ali Rose (played on screen by Christina Aguilera) who moves to Los Angeles and stumbles upon a struggling burlesque lounge owned by Tess.

Penned now for the stage by Antin, the theatrical version has tunes by Aguilera, Sia, and Diane Warren, as well as additional tunes by Jess Folley and Todrick Hall and additional material by Kate Wetherhead. It was first seen in Manchester and Glasgow last year.

For its stint in the West End, Hall will be on directorial duties and also choreograph the musical. He will also star as Sean for the West End run, joining Folley as Ali, George Maguire as Vince, Paul Jacob French as Jackson and Asha Parker Wallace as Nikki.

Broadway star Orfeh will appear as Tess, making her West End debut in the role famously played by Cher on screen.

The full creative team includes Tom Curran (orchestrator and arranger), Nate Bertone (set designer), Marco Marco (costume designer), Roberto Surace (additional costume designs), Rory Beaton (lighting designer), Nina Dunn (video designer), Ben Harrison (sound designer), Jessica Plews (wigs and hair designer), Dominic Skinner (make-up designer), Toby Higgins (musical supervisor), Harry Blumenau (casting director), Patrick Malony (production manager), Aaron Renfree (associate director/resident director and choreographer), Jenni Thomasson (associate choreographer), Natalie Jackson (costume supervisor), Zoe Gale (associate wigs and hair supervisor), Nicola Crawford (associate lighting designer), Chris Poon (musical director), Caitlin Morgan (associate musical director), Josh Griffiths (assistant musical director), Andy Barnwell (orchestral manager) and David O’Mahoney (script supervisor).

Burlesque the Musical will open at the Savoy Theatre on 10 July and run until 6 September 2025. A gala night is set for 22 July.