Burlesque The Musical Review: pretty girls and skinny boys tour the UK with glamour
23 September 2026 | 19:30 | Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (UK Tour)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | PR - Invite
If you have followed theatre news over the past year, you will know that Burlesque The Musical has hit the headlines for a medley of reasons, from its cancelled London run, delayed tour opening and creative team clashes. Yet through it all, its UK Tour has finally arrived, as Burlesque shimmies its way into Bradford's Alhambra Theatre for one week only.
Conceived from the 2010 film of the same name, which features Christina Aguilera and Cher, the musical follows small-town Ali Rose's (Grace O'Brien) journey to New York in the search for her long-lost mother. She begins working at the Burlesque Lounge, run by former dancer Tess (Faye Brookes), until one fateful evening sees her go from cocktail waitress to performer, to save the club from developers.
I haven't seen Steven Antin's hit film (despite my love for all things Cher!), but tonight's material stands well on its own. This production keeps some of the film's most iconic songs (Tough Lover, Express) while adding new music for the stage, written by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Todrick Hall and Jess Folley. Some of the musical's best moments lie in how it honours the art of neo-burlesque. Act One is reminiscent of a variety evening, combining seductive and queer inspired (Marie Antoinette in Pretty Girls and Skinny Boys) acts.
Ryan Carter's dazzling Sean leads the song Big which honours those that made Burlesque a mainstream art, from Dita Von Teese to The Pussycat Dolls. There is also reference to Fosse, which is evident through Robin Antin & Aaron Renfree's choreography across the show. Soon before the Act One finale, Wagon Wheel Watusi is a prime ensemble showcase of this, which takes me back to the entrancing Rich Man's Frug of Sweet Charity.
Originated by Christina Aguilera, Ali is an incredibly demanding sing, especially when honouring her famous riffs. In the role tonight, Gracie O'Brien (who makes her professional debut in Burlesque) has the vocal control of a seasoned professional, outstanding in solo work. And not only a great singer, with great levels of charisma (Don't Make Me Sing), and later profound sincerity acted through song (Bound To You).
After writing the screenplay, Steven Antin's book lets the cast down the most. The script is formulaic through Act One where it lacks in nuance, and leans too heavily into cinema tropes of the 'lost city girl' and the 'affair-stricken romance'. This also includes the burlesque performances of Act One, some of which are clear transition fillers without purpose. However, after a modest first half, Act Two is much more assured, to the point it feels like another production. As Ali earns her spot as one of the lounge performers, the script instantly tightens, and the bond with her mother blossoms into something beautiful.
As Ali's mother and lounge owner Tess, Faye Brookes is a treat in every one of her appearances. Especially during You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me, which radiates in majesty and elegance. She may be star casting, but Brookes is consistently on par with the ensemble, which makes her Tess so heartfelt and sympathetic. And Vanessa Ela Young makes for a marvellous Nikki, who lives her Beyoncé fantasy as she dances with well-timed video screen effects (think the Single Ladies music video).
There's even nudity as Tyler Davis' amiable nice-guy Jack bares all, hiding his gentleman's area with little more than a box of cookies. It's amusing and well thought-out, waking up the Act Two crowd with a rather lively response. It would be nice, given the history of neo-burlesque, to see more body diversity amongst the cast. The talent is here, but the representation would be an important gesture.
Directed by Racky Plews, Burlesque The Musical stands as a contemporary product of those that came before, with influence from the likes of Chicago and Cabaret. Joshie Harriette's lighting design allows a grand stage to keep its underground feel, and Marco Morante's costume lifts the spectacle of it all. It takes some digging to find the gold, but stay on until Act Two for an impressive feat in film to stage adaptation. Something's Got A Hold On Me, and it's Burlesque!
Burlesque The Musical plays at Bradford's Alhambra Theatre until the 26th September, before continuing a UK Tour currently booking into May 2027:
