Podcasts

Burlesque’s turbulent arrival in the West End – and directors arguing with their reviewers

Plus – what can the theatre world take from the New York Times‘ big move?

Alex Wood

Alex Wood

David Gordon

David Gordon

| London | Massachusetts |

25 July 2025

Camino Real Baranova 5661
Pamela Anderson in Camino Real
(© Maria Baranova)

Welcome to the WhatsOnStage Podcast!

Chief critic Sarah Crompton is still swanning it up in bella Italia (the country, not the restaurant), so editor-in-chief Alex Wood has brought in TheaterMania’s editor-in-chief David Gordon to comb through two big stories in theatre this week.

First of all, the turbulent Burlesque the Musical has had its opening night at the Savoy Theatre, with Wood giving his verdict on the production – and whether or not the behind-the-scenes controversy was over-sensationalised.

Then – Gordon reflects on his trip to Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts – where lines from a review spark public outcry from a production’s director. Can creatives respond to reviews? And how does all of this play into what’s happening at the New York Times?

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