Review: Burlesque

Review: Burlesque

★★★★☆ 04-08-25 The Savoy Theatre – by Jamie Griffiths

Much has been made of Burlesque The Musical’s arrival in the West End after its record-breaking runs in Manchester and Glasgow. The truth is, this Savoy staging is lavish, ambitious and just a little bit crazy, and somehow it all comes together on the night. What emerges is an energetic tour de force that’s impossible to take your eyes off.

A lot of that magic comes from Todrick Hall, whose fingerprints are all over the show. His numbers are the heartbeat of the piece, and his ad-libs are as sharp as his choreography. Hall has a knack for timing that can land a joke or punctuate a move to perfection, and his presence elevates the production into a true spectacle.

Musically, the show is a feast. Todrick’s “Burlesque is Big” is even more of an anthem here than in Manchester, though I admit to missing the Liza, Violet, Deeta, Cher and Xtina projections that had me gagging in its earlier incarnation. Christina Aguilera’s “Bound to You” is given a fantastical, almost cinematic staging that transforms it into something truly breathtaking. The score blends Aguilera’s hits with songs from Sia and Diane Warren, alongside new work from Hall and Jess Folley, and the result is both familiar and surprising. by the finale everyone is on their feet and “Show Me How You Burlesque” is a rapturous, show-closing high

Jess Folley’s soaring vocals are worth the price of admission alone, delivering power and precision in every number. When Jess is off, Hope Dawe steps into the role with confidence and charm, proving herself more than capable of holding the stage. Both bring different shades to the character, ensuring audiences are never short-changed. Orfeh is sensational, and her version of Cher’s powerhouse ballad “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” could live rent-free in my head forever.

The show also gives more room for the ensemble to shine. Not every sequence moves the plot forward, but each adds colour to the underground world Ali steps into. It’s part Moulin Rouge, part Cabaret and part something entirely its own.

There was plenty of press chatter before opening night, with some speculating this could be another “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.” In reality, this is a musical that knows exactly what it wants to be. It works hard, entertains fully and does so with style. The plot is richer than before but still zips along at pace, keeping the focus on the spectacle without losing heart.

With so much of the action rooted in New York and a creative team clearly enjoying the ride, I find myself rooting for Burlesque The Musical to eventually strut its way to Broadway. For now, the Savoy has a show that’s bold, brash and utterly fabulous.

Burlesque the Musical runs at the Savoy Theatre until 6 September 2025, get tickets from the official site HERE.