Equity says ‘number of issues’ have been raised over Burlesque’s West End production

Performers union Equity have stated they are “engaging with both members and the producers” of the stage production of Burlesque over “a number of issues”, following an initial story in The Stage.

The musical, based on the much-loved film of the same name starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, is currently in previews at the Savoy Theatre following try-out runs in Manchester and Glasgow. It will play for a limited season at the venue through to September.

Since those initial regional runs, the show has had a major creative team overhaul, with director and choreographer Nick Winston replaced by cast member and co-writer Todrick Hall for the London run. Other creative team members have been replaced in the intervening period.

The statement from Equity also states: “Our West End official is in close contact with members, and members can seek further support by contacting Equity direct, as needed.”

Sources have told WhatsOnStage that there were concerns with show costumes as far back in June. WhatsOnStage has also seen evidence that suggests the show has been dogged by issues following unpaid invoices.

The show’s first preview began after 8pm, finishing around 11.20pm. Since then, runtimes are said to have come down significantly.

In a recent interview, Hall claimed the show’s run at the Savoy Theatre was not the original plan, saying “at the last minute, we moved from one theatre to a new theatre that had a date open up earlier than expected.” This move, according to Hall, also scuppered plans to invite director and choreographer Chris Gattelli onto the project in some capacity. Hall therefore states that he got the role of director and choreographer “accidentally.”

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.

The show was well-received by audiences during its Manchester and Glasgow runs, which were not reviewed by national critics due to their status as developmental try-outs. The productions were big box office draws and star Jess Folley, who plays Ali Rose, was commended for her central turn.

Penned now for the stage by Antin, the theatrical version has tunes by Aguilera and Sia as well as additional tunes by Folley and Hall and additional material by Kate Wetherhead. As highlighted by The Stage, famed songwriter Diane Warren was previously listed as contributing tunes to the musical, but has been removed from the show’s website in the last two months.

The Burlesque producers have declined to comment on the story.

Equity’s statement in full:

“Equity is engaging with both members and the producers over a number of issues that have been raised with us. Our West End official is in close contact with members, and members can seek further support by contacting Equity direct, as needed.”