Burlesque

(Critique en français : Cliquez ici)

Book: Steve ANTIN

Music and Lyrics: Christina AGUILERA, Jess FOLLEY, Todrick HALL, Sia, Diane WARREN

Director and Choreographer: Todrick HALL

Michael AFEMARE, Callum BELL, Courtenay BRADY, Pàje CAMPBELL, Sophie CRACKNELL, Hope DAWE, Jack DUPREE, Jess FOLLEY, Paul Jacob FRENCH, Angus GOOD, Todrick HALL, Charlotte JACONELLI, Elly JAY, Marlee JAY, Billie KAY, Deja LINTON, Hollie-Ann LOWE, Callum MACDONALD, George MAGUIRE, Alessia MCDERMOTT, Orfeh, Asha PARKER-WALLACE, Jess QUALTER, Liam ROODHOUSE, Janine SOMCO, India THORNTON and Daniel WIJNGAARDEN

at

Savoy Theatre from 10 july to 6 september 2025

Burlesque welcomes you to New York and its cabaret place from your entrance in the theatre, the frame around the stage setting up the mood. It starts full energy with Todrick HALL and Orfeh leading the show in a flashy way while belting the opening song. The first track sets the tone that we’re going to be more than pleasantly surprised by the new orchestrations. The new orchestrations, which are particularly powerful, are reinforced by the addition of extra backing vocals provided by the ensemble. As a result, the songs are just as suitable for theaters as they are for any evening entertainment.

You then travel to a small Ohio town to meet Ali, an aspiring singer who’s gonna be our main character. There’s a lot of comedy brought by the estatic Todrick laughing with the audience. Ali first solo I want song twritten by her actress Jess FOLLEY is not only a great catchy song in the show but it also suits her voice perfectly. Her travel to New York is a dynamic visual treat, preparing us for many to come.

The reason for Ali journey is revealed as a family secret involving Tess (Orfeh), leader of a burlesque venue. Like her, we join the place and witness some of the acts that make its reputation. This is an opportunity for several members of the troupe to shine through short individual cabaret numbers, the most memorable of which are those by Jake DUPREE, one of the show’s revelations, and the delicious Sugar Daddy Diet. This ensemble does not merely fill the stage; it is brimming with charm and literally sets the stage alight with its presence. Glamorous, provocative, mischievous and a touch decadent, much to the delight of the audience. An audience of all ages reacts enthusiastically at the end of each performance, participating actively throughout the show.

It was hard to forget the stars of the film on which the musical was based. However, after the delightful Prologue by Todrick HALL, the first track from the original Welcome to Burlesque reassures us on this point: we won’t be getting imitations of divas Christina AGUILERA and Cher, but real reinterpretations and reappropriations of the roles. And while the punchlines have been retained, the book has been slightly revised to make it more suitable for stage production. As much as Burlesque The Musical remains anchored in a pop style, it also features some of the most melodious ballads and jazz rhythms that go hand in hand with the world of cabaret. That’s what Burlesque is! The musical arrangements are subtle, thoughtful and also crazy.

Orfeh is incredible vocally. She gives us a volcanic Tess! On the other hand, she knows how to be emotional with You haven’t seen the last of me, unfortunately too short, which features a piano that enhances the artist’s voice while exacerbating her feelings. She will finish us off with her final solo and a well-deserved standing ovation.

Jess FOLLEY dazzles us on Got it all from you, where her vocal skills are put to the test. She breaks the mould on Tough Lover, the obligatory end of the first act, first in vibrant a cappella, then with power. Act 2 builds on this same power, with a return to this insane energy in the unforgettable EXPRESS, where she takes center stage with panache.

One of highlights of the show is Ali relationship with Jack (Paul FRENCH). She meets him at her arrival in the city and he hosts him while she finds her place. They form a sweet duo that bonds naturally and keeps us wondering on where it will lead. It is helped by Too soon a delightful song where the two share a moment in Jack apartment. It should be noted that we first discovered Paul FRENCH in the role of Kenickie (Grease) at the Dominion Theatre, where he already impressed us. Paul is very actively involved in the choreography with the dancers. With his casual demeanour, he touches us with his innocence and his burning voice in the song Bound to You. This song gives rise to a moving scene of magnified eroticism. This suspended moment is placed between two moments of laughter, first with Natalie and then with a mischievous nod to the film with the famous cookies cereal box scene.

All the duets in the show, some of which go from solo to duet in this adaptation, have us on the edge of our seats, regardless of the artists who bring them to life. It’s a case of who can give us the most goose bumps.

We love discoveries such as Big, a track by Todrick HALL that plays on many nuances in a crazy number! Absolutely fabulous! Throughout the show, he stands as an/MC with multiple personalities in a single character and countless costumes, each more original than the last. We’ve already mentioned Big, but let’s add Bigger. His two songs are breathtaking in their musical, choreographic and visual richness. Like the hits from 2010, Big and Bigger are hits in the making! And it’s even better when he pays tribute to some of the leading figures of musical comedy, as well as several pop queens! The winks, always welcome, multiply to everyone’s delight.

Some of the side stories (jealous Nikki and Tess ex-husband evil plan) struggle to land, but that’s the spectacle we’re here to see and we get it. We love the choreography and energy that, sometimes at the most surprising moments like this incredible male dance number after the famous “cookie scene”. Watch out, Magic Mike Live!

Burlesque The Musical isn’t only Big, it’s Bigger! This is the sexiest musical in the West End!

Synospis

A scintillating journey of self-discovery that absolutely sizzles with songs by Christina AGUILERA, Sia and Diane WARREN, alongside additional songs by Todrick HALL and Jess FOLLEY.

Book your tickets now for a blockbuster musical that says… life isn’t fair. It’s fabulous.

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Antoine and Aurélien.