Everything you need to know about 'Burlesque' in the West End

The 2010 cult film takes to the stage, adapted by Steven Antin and directed and choreographed by Todrick Hall.

“You can uh, you can uh, you can uh uh uh. That’s how burlesque was born”, sing the strippers in Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim’s Gypsy. Burlesque isn’t an artform for shrinking violets, requiring a total lack of inhibition, killer moves, and perhaps a gimmick or two.

New musical Burlesque is based on the 2010 film that starred divas Christina Aguilera and Cher. It’s beloved for its pulsating soundtrack, fabulous dance routines, and message of empowerment. “You’ve got to make me believe that you belong on that stage and it’s yours,” seasoned burlesque club owner Tess tells new girl Ali when she pleads for an opportunity to demonstrate her skills – and she delivers in spades.

The stage adaptation, with a book by the film’s director/screenwriter Steven Antin and executive produced by Aguilera, comes to London this summer, following try-outs in Manchester and Glasgow last year. The score features bangers from the film and exciting new numbers. Read on to learn more about what to expect from this fabulously glitzy new show.

Book Burlesque tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

What is Burlesque? about?

Burlesque is the coming-of-age story of Ali Rose, who leaves her hometown to pursue her long-held dream of becoming a professional performer. After she fails to land any jobs, she visits a burlesque club where she secures a server role and ultimately becomes the star performer. Jealousy, addiction, and romantic entanglements all rear their heads, but the gang ultimately comes together to try to save the club from a property developer.

Is Burlesque based on a film?

The stage version of Burlesque is based on the 2010 film of the same name which was written and directed by Steven Antin. The film starred Christina Aguilera as Ali and Cher as Tess, with Cam Gigandet, Kristen Bell, Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming and Julianne Hough. The film was released the day before Thanksgiving in 2010 and on opening, came third in the box office rankings behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Tangled. Reviews were mixed but Aguilera’s performance was widely praised. In the ensuing years, it’s become something of a cult favourite with its embrace of high camp and memorable song and dance routines.

What is the history of the stage adaptation of Burlesque?

In 2023, it was announced that Steven Antin was writing and producing a stage adaptation of his film of the same name. Burlesque was first performed at Manchester Opera House in June 2024 and then played at Theatre Royal Glasgow in September before returning to Manchester in October. This production marks the show’s West End debut.

When is Burlesque being performed?

Burlesque is currently booking from 10 July to 6 September 2025. Performances take place from Mondays to Saturdays at 7:30pm, with matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30pm.

Where is Burlesque being performed?

Burlesque will be performed at the Savoy Theatre, where it succeeds Mean Girls. Other recent shows at the venue include Sunset Boulevard, Plaza Suite, and Pretty Woman. The Savoy Theatre has a capacity of 1,158 seats and is a magnificent art deco venue that held the distinction of being the first public building to be powered entirely by electricity when it opened in 1929.

Who wrote Burlesque?

The book for Burlesque is by Steven Antin, who wrote and directed the original film. He has also worked as an actor and he wrote the 2018 action film Proud Mary, which starred Taraji P. Henson. Additional material (book) is by Kate Wetherhead (The Devil Wears Prada).

The songs include numbers from the film by Christina Aguilera, Sia, and Diane Warren. The score also features new contributions by Jess Folley (a former winner of The Voice Kids UK) and Todrick Hall (American Idol, RuPaul’s Drag Race), who created the roles of Ali and Shaun respectively in the stage adaptation.

What are the songs in Burlesque?

In Manchester and Glasgow last year, the score included the following numbers (there may be changes for the West End run):

Act I "Prologue"
"Welcome to Burlesque"
"Something's Got A Hold On Me"
"Got It All From You"
"Sugar Daddy Diet"
"Home"
"What Are Clothes"
"Big"
"You Haven't Seen the Last of Me"
"Ammo"
"Show Me How You Burlesque (pre reprise)"
"Wagon Wheel Watusi"
"Tough Lover"

Act II

"Express"
"Copy Kitty"
"Bound to You"
"A Guy What Takes His Time"
"Good Girl"
"Ammo (reprise)"
"Bigger"
"Life's Not Fair It's Fabulous"
"Got It All From You"
"Ammo"
"Show Me How You Burlesque"

Who is in the Burlesque cast?

The cast for the West End run of Burlesque is to be confirmed.

Who is in the Burlesque creative team?

The show is directed and choreographed by Todrick Hall, who created the role of Shaun and has also contributed to the score. Further creatives are to be confirmed.

Who are the characters in Burlesque?

Burlesque includes the following cast of characters:

• Ali Rose: the heroine, an aspiring singer who finds herself working in a burlesque club.
• Tess: the club’s owner and a mentor to Ali.
• Sean: the club’s MC, who provides emotional support.
• Vince: the antagonist, who has his eye on the club.
• Jackson: Ali’s love interest.

What are some fun facts about Burlesque?

• Burlesque as an art form has a colourful history – learn more here.
• Steven Antin is the brother of Robin Antin, the founder of The Pussycat Dolls. The group was established as a “modern burlesque” dance troupe in 1995, and became a recording group in 2003, with Nicole Scherzinger as lead singer. Clearly the passion for the art form runs in the family!
• In 2021, American ice dancers Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue won the gold medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships with a programme that included a medley of songs from Burlesque.

Book Burlesque tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.