Little Dancer to play in the West End this summer – with casting revealed

Exclusive: Little Dancer will make its UK premiere this summer.

Inspired by the real-life story behind Edgar Degas’ iconic sculpture, the new musical has enjoyed sold-out runs in the US. It follows Marie van Goethem, a young ballerina at the Paris Opera Ballet, who posed for the artist and became the most famous dancer in the world.

Written by Lynn Ahrens, with music by Stephen Flaherty, the show’s direction and choreography are by two-time Olivier and five-time Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman.

In this concert presentation, Tiler Peck will reprise her role as Young Marie van Goethem. Peck is a principal dancer with New York City Ballet and an Olivier Award-nominated choreographer.

Playing Edgar Degas will be Julian Ovenden, opposite Laura Pitt-Pulford as Adult Marie.

Stroman called Little Dancer “a life-affirming piece of theatre,” adding: “It was certainly inspiring and uplifting to create.

“To me, the show is beautiful, entertaining, interesting, but most importantly, profound. Marie wanted to be a great dancer, and inadvertently, through art, became the most famous dancer in the world.”

Ahrens commented that writing the untold tale is “like striking gold”, and this is “one of those rare stories: an unknown girl, a famous artist, and a work of art that rocked the world.”

Finally, Flaherty said that the musical world is “rich, evocative, and romantic.”

The concert production is produced by Anita Waxman Productions, Tegan Summer Theatricals, Shea Theatricals, Patricia R Klausner, and Sharon Carr.

Casting is by Jill Green Casting and general management is by Anthology Theatre Productions. Further casting and creative team will be announced in due course.

Little Dancer – A New Musical in Concert will play at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday, 27 July 2025 for one night only. Tickets are available now.