Christina Aguilera | Burlesque: The Musical World Premiere at The Savoy Theatre in London, England, UK - 22.07.2025
Burlesque: The Musical is a stage adaptation of the 2010 film Burlesque, which starred Christina Aguilera and Cher. Here’s a comprehensive overview based on available information:
Background and Development
Origin: The musical is based on the 2010 film directed by Steven Antin, which followed Ali Rose (Aguilera), a small-town singer who finds her place in a Los Angeles burlesque lounge owned by Tess (Cher). The film, despite mixed critical reviews, gained a cult following and was nominated for Golden Globes, with its soundtrack peaking at No. 18 on the Billboard 200.
Announcement: The stage adaptation was announced on September 29, 2023, with Aguilera serving as an executive producer alongside Steven Antin, Adam Paulden, Sue Gilad, Larry Rogowsky, and Clint Culpepper.
Creative Team: The musical features a book by Steven Antin, with additional material by Kate Wetherhead. It includes songs from the film by Aguilera, Sia, and Diane Warren, plus new music by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley. Initially directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, Todrick Hall later took over as director and choreographer while also playing Sean.
Plot and SettingStory: The musical follows Ali Rose, an aspiring singer who leaves her small hometown for New York City (a change from the film’s Los Angeles setting) in search of her long-lost mother. She discovers a dazzling underground burlesque club, where she becomes a dancer and finds her voice, surrounded by a colorful cast of misfits. The story emphasizes self-discovery, with a grittier and less sanitized tone than the film, incorporating modern elements and a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” aesthetic.
Key Changes: Unlike the film, which focused on Ali’s pursuit of fame and the club’s financial struggles, the musical shifts Ali’s motivation to finding her mother and introduces new plotlines, such as a conniving British ex-husband (Vince) and a fiercer Tess.
Production DetailsWorld Premiere: The musical premiered at the Manchester Opera House in June 2024, with additional tryouts in Manchester (October 2024) and Glasgow’s Theatre Royal (September 2024). It opened in London’s West End at the Savoy Theatre on July 10, 2025, for a limited run until September 6, 2025, with a gala night on July 22.
Cast: Jess Folley as Ali Rose (Aguilera’s film role), praised for her powerful voice.
Orfeh as Tess (Cher’s role), bringing fierce energy.
Todrick Hall as Sean (Stanley Tucci’s role), also directing and choreographing.
George Maguire as Vince, reimagined as a British antagonist.
Notable performers include Asha Parker-Wallace as Nikki, Jake Dupree as Trey/Chardonnay, and Jess Qualter and Alessia McDermott as the kinky twins Summer and Spring.
Creative Elements: The production features costumes by Ryan Dawson Laight, set design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting by Jack Knowles, sound by Ben Harrison, musical arrangements by Tom Curran, and musical supervision by Phil Bateman.
Music and PerformancesSoundtrack: The musical retains iconic songs from the film like “Show Me How You Burlesque,” “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” “Express,” and “Bound to You,” alongside new tracks like the rap-infused “Call Mama Daddy” and the jazzy “Ammo” by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley. The score is described as big, witty, and energetic.
Reception: Critics have praised the musical’s “monster sound,” “sensational moves,” and “blinding bling,” calling it a “tremendous breath of fresh air” and “Burlesque 2.0.” Jess Folley and Orfeh’s vocal performances have been highlighted as electrifying, with the production noted for its raunchy, campy, and RuPaul-inspired vibe.
Christina Aguilera’s InvolvementRole: Aguilera, who starred as Ali in the film, serves as an executive producer and contributing songwriter. She has expressed pride in the project, calling it a “dream come true” and appreciating the fresh interpretation of her character. She attended the Savoy Theatre performance on July 19, 2025, giving it a five-star review on Instagram, captioned “BLOWN AWAY!!!”
Comments: Aguilera told Sky News she enjoyed taking a backseat to focus on the bigger picture, praising the cast’s talent and the show’s “unapologetic, fearless, and bold” spirit. She also expressed hope that Cher would attend, reflecting fondly on their time together.
Critical and Audience Reception
Critical Response: The Guardian described the musical as “grittier and less sanitised” than the film, with “superb voices and sensational moves,” labeling it “Burlesque 2.0.” It praised the production’s energy, costumes, and bold reinterpretation, noting its departure from typical movie-to-stage adaptations. The musical’s campy, RuPaul-inspired aesthetic, complete with leather, feathers, and sequins, has been a highlight, though some critiques note the storyline remains somewhat predictable.
Audience Sentiment: Posts on X and Reddit reflect excitement for the musical, with fans of the original film appreciating its cult status and iconic soundtrack. Some expressed nostalgia for the film’s era and excitement for the stage adaptation, though there were mixed feelings about certain creative choices, like Todrick Hall’s involvement.
Key Highlights
Distinct Features: The musical stands out for its vibrant, modernized take on the burlesque world, with a focus on self-discovery and a diverse, inclusive cast. It incorporates contemporary cultural references (e.g., Netflix’s Baby Reindeer) and avoids lip-syncing, emphasizing live vocals and bold choreography.
Aguilera’s Impact: Aguilera’s involvement as an executive producer and songwriter, along with her endorsement, has added significant star power. Her gothic-glam appearance at the July 2025 photo call, featuring a dark lip and bleach-blond hair, also drew attention, aligning with the show’s bold aesthetic.
Cultural Significance: The musical builds on the film’s cult following, appealing to fans of its campy charm and powerful performances. It’s seen as a celebration of burlesque’s seductive yet empowering spirit, with a nod to modern drag culture.
Availability and Future ProspectsCurrent Run: The musical is playing at London’s Savoy Theatre until September 6, 2025. Tickets are available through the official box office at thesavoytheatre.com.
Future Potential: While currently a limited run, the production’s success in Manchester, Glasgow, and London suggests potential for extensions or transfers, though no specific plans have been confirmed.
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