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REVIEW | Burlesque the Musical, UK Tour - Sheffield Lyceum Theatre
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Earlier this year, social media discourse was rife among the theatre community, making this show the most talked about musical for months on end this year, due to a fairly rocky start of its first-ever UK tour, Burlesque the Musical finally arrives in Sheffield this Halloween week, and while some improvements are needed to make this one solid piece of theatre the show does bring some positives, from strong performances to some decent songs.
Based on the 2010 much-loved hit film, starring powerhouse artists Christina Aguilera, and Cher as well as Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell plus Alan Cummings. Burlesque the Musical, follows Ali, a small town girl who arrives in New York City on her journey to find her mother she never knew of, while on her search Ali finds an underground venue full of music and unique performances. Ali begins to find her voice, and finds the unexpected from those around her.
The show tackles the artistry style of Burlesque, and while admittedly I've been curious for a while now to see on how the show faired from its last few runs and to check out the most talked about musical of 2026, Burlesque delivers something, I'm going to say it...that isn't perfect by no means, but delivers in areas quite well, it feels to be a balancing act in areas.
Written by Steven Antin, Directed by Racky Plews music and lyrics by a number of musical talents, Christina Aguilera, Sia, Todrick Hall and Jess Folley, the show is also choreographed by Robin Antin and Aaron Renfree. Burlesque the Musical in short is a take it as you will type of show, some will think its joyous and some won't but no matter what you think, there's parts of this show that are really good.
Written by Steven Antin, Antin delivers a story that can do well on stage but with tweaks and changes. for me personally. Antin's writing struggles in a theatrical setting feeling like the book was written for the big screen rather than thousand seater theatres across the country for 8 performances. Unfortunately it does feel that the show prolongs its run time with sadly a lengthy act 1 and overall much needed improvements are required in both acts of the show to uplift the story more. While the first act delivers a more enjoyable plot, in act 2 it suffers here with writing feeling unfinished with loose tied up ends, anti-climatic writing and having the show grind to a sharp halt, resulting in needing more. Antin unfortunately heavily slow burns the telling of Tess and Ali's relationship (Played by Faye Brookes and Gracie O'Brien) but when revealed only in act 2 there are some nice moments written between them when we get there. In addition to this the show centres the role of Sean (Played by Ryan Carter) as the welcoming host and announcer to the show and club, the character is written well giving some much needed warmth and familiarity to the audience steering the audiences attention from mini performance to mini performance. The characters are written acceptably but possibly some are slightly thinly written and not given the expected attention, to be able to warm to them straight away or even fully. Antin writes some amusing dialogue that gets some laughs from the audience and there's some nice moments as well between Ali and Jack (Played by Tyler Davis). Steven Antin's book is written fine and structurally clearly it's easy to follow and has a few nice pleasing moments from time to time, though as a whole the writing feels it tips to the lighter side and is written for entertainment factor rather than containing something that goes deep and compelling.
Directed by Racky Plews, Plews' direction delivers the underground artistic style of the world of burlesque well, we are thrown into a world of glamorous performing from the start as the show officially begins. As the audience settles into their seats we are a treated to a pre-show, while this would work if this was the cast performing mini burlesque performances maybe in the audience or on stage, rather than what is presented which is something awkwardly questionable which is the cast 'getting ready backstage' on an instagram or TikTok live of some sort. Plews' direction is small and easily establishes some sort of connection between characters, though sometimes we have the whole cast on stage mainly times when Ali is about to tell Tess about their relationship making the stage feel cluttered and too busy feeling the surrounding ensemble hinders the forming relationship. As said before the show transforms us to the world of burlesque, mini performances are woven in throughout the show, while entertaining and certainly risque, and sometimes quite sophisticated performances, though it's evident that sometimes these moments feel more 'transitional' rather than something purposeful to the narrative. While the show does have some exciting energy, it does take a period of time to get into and really get going, and unfortunately falls in places resulting needing to reinforcing again. Plews directs moments between Ali and Jack nicely and also moments nice between Ali, Tess and Sean. Overall, Plews' directional attempt is occasionally clever, pleasing and entertaining though is a mixed bag on the whole.
Musically, take Aguilera, Cher, Hall and new comer Jess Folley put them together and we get the artists that form and write the songs to our track list of 34 musical numbers for the evening. The shows numbers range from various different styles and are somewhat influenced by those prior to Burlesque, though unfortunately the styles at times seems to be less cohesive than it should be feeling like a battle for the spotlight. Meanwhile numbers such as original songs 'Got it all from You', 'Tough Lover', 'Too Soon' and also the films most iconic anthems 'You Haven't Seen the Last of Me' and the crowd pleaser 'Show Me How You Burlesque' deliver one of strongest points of the show. The Burlesque musical numbers are short and sweet and pleasingly represent the individuality of each performer, though its saddening that they feel more transitional, they do though form the majority of the sexy, seductive and saucy moments of the show.
Making her professional debut in Burlesque the Musical, Gracie O'Brien takes on the role of Ali, O'Brien shines with outstanding vocals during songs like 'Got it All From You' delivering a stunning performance. O'Brien not only brings superb vocals, but has a good connection with Faye Brookes, and Ryan Carter as well as Tyler Davis. Davis' and O'Brien's intimacy is well delivered by the pair not only the duetting moments between them both, which are another part of the shows strongest point. O'Brien's overall performance pleases, shining with sheer delight and is a debut performance that cements talent and presence.
Faye Brookes, no stranger to the stage, takes on the role of Tess. It's clear Brookes has the talent but personally, unfortunately here doesn't really get time to fully shine. While vocally Brookes is powerful, and shows the tough nut and stern character of Tess, and delivers the most tender moments between Tess and Ali. It's a slight shame that we don't get more from the character of Tess herself.
Ryan Carter, plays Sean, Carter, again another no stranger to the stage, Carter pleases with a campy, boisterous and flamboyant performance. The role of Carter excellently collides together with Carter's brilliant stage presence, which Carter shows off fabulously. Carter embraces the stage and warms to the audience really well, showing who to give your attention too, with enthusiasm.
Choreography by Robin Antin, Antin brings impressive skilled choreography, Antin's raunchy artistry in the choreography is well done, and is theatrical in every sense, Antin's work is simplistic and dazzles when needed specifically during the finale which is full of energy, and makes a clear statement during the burlesque performance sequences
Set design by Sara Perks is bold and transparent transforming the stage into the world of the club. The design is easily one of the most straightforward set designs I have seen bringing class with hanging curtains, a gigantic hanging title sign and dramatic staircase.
Overall, Burlesque the Musical has its short falls but also has its positives, the trick... the show needs to be tighter, the treat... the cast, the set, and various musical numbers shine throughout. Burlesque is a recognisable name for audiences, no matter what your preconceived opinions are Burlesque shines with its own individuality, making a clear statement for those looking for a fun night out.
★★★.5
Burlesque the Musical plays at the Sheffield Lyceum until 31st of October before continuing its UK tour until 15th of May 2027:
