SuzzisSpotlight

“Burlesque is BIG and glamorous with slick routines, killer vocals, and incredible set design”

Burlesque is the BIG, bold new musical based on the 2010 hit film originally starring Christina Aguilera and Cher. With new additional songs and glitzy costumes, it’s a spectacle not be missed.

The show follows Ali Rose as she moves to New York from a small town, discovers her voice, and embraces who she is while working at a Burlesque club.
The story has been amended for the musical production, and the changes make the story and show flow more naturally with the addition of Ali moving to New York to find her birth mother.

Using a clever and innovative set, including a revolving, interchangeable set of stairs and slick set design, this show is a technical delight to watch and is the kind of set design you would see on a Westend or Broadway Stage that tours often lack. Along with screens and projections that help bring the set to life.

With a combination of musical storytelling and sexy, slick burlesque numbers, this gives you the unique fusion that has you feeling like you’re in the middle of the New York burlesque scene while still feeling a wholesome and joyful undertone of musical theatre.

Featuring stunning costumes that embody the sexy and fun style of burlesque with lots of glitz and sparkle.

Burlesque, the musical was written, produced, and stars Todrick Hall and Jess Foley, whose addition of new songs and musical numbers fit seamlessly into the production. Jess stars as Ali (the role originated in the film by Christina Aguilera). Her powerhouse vocals are breathtaking, and watching her character development throughout the show into the sexy and confident Ali in act two is the highlight of the show. Her vocals in “Bound to You” are stunning and sensual, with impressive whistle notes.

Jess’s chemistry with Jackie Burns, who plays Tess, is beautiful to watch develop throughout. Jackie’s rendition of “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” is haunting and powerful. Along with Torick as Sean/miss Loretta, he is hilarious and charismatic, brightening the stage every time he graces it with killer moves and smooth vocals. He delivers a full-package performance.

Burlesque is BIG and glamorous with slick routines, killer vocals, and incredible set design and isn’t to be missed as it deserves to be seen by a bigger audience. The West End is ready for a new, sexy, sensational show.

Catch Burlesque at Manchester Opera House from 3rd October until 2nd November 2024

Written by Suzzi Hirst

*tickets in exchange for honest review