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Lead Cast Announced for West End Premiere of Burlesque the Musical at the Savoy Theatre

Published on

May 27, 2025

By

Julia Jordan

Orfeh, Todrick Hall, and Jess Folley to Star in the Stage Adaptation of the Hit Film

The full lead cast has been announced for the West End premiere of Burlesque the Musical, opening at the Savoy Theatre from 10 July to 6 September 2025, with a gala night scheduled for 22 July. Based on the 2010 film written and directed by Steven Antin, the musical brings to life a bold story of self-discovery and showbiz, with music by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Todrick Hall, and Jess Folley.

Broadway star Orfeh will make her West End debut as Tess, joining the previously announced Todrick Hall as Sean and Jess Folley—returning as Ali Rose after her acclaimed performances in Manchester and Glasgow.

Meet the Lead Cast

  • Orfeh (Tess): A Tony and Grammy nominee best known for Legally Blonde and Pretty Woman the Musical on Broadway.

  • Todrick Hall (Sean): International entertainer, director, choreographer and recording artist. He also directs and choreographs the production.

  • Jess Folley (Ali Rose): Winner of The Voice Kids UK and X Factor: The Band, returning to the role she originated in regional previews.

  • George Maguire (Vince): Olivier Award-winner for Sunny Afternoon.

  • Paul Jacob French (Jackson): Credits include An Officer and a Gentleman, Grease, and The Wizard of Oz.

  • Asha Parker Wallace (Nikki): Making her West End debut.

Additional casting will be announced soon.

About the Musical

Burlesque the Musical follows Ali, a young woman who arrives in New York in search of her mother and stumbles into an underground club bursting with music, movement, and possibility. Within this world of glitter and grit, she finds both her voice and an unexpected family of misfits and dreamers. Adapted for the stage by Steven Antin, the musical features hit songs from the original film alongside new music by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley.

The production promises a sensory explosion of dance, fashion, and drama set beneath the city lights—“a club like no other… where the sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers, and a life can change in the flick of a feather boa.”

Creative Team

  • Book: Steven Antin

  • Director & Choreographer: Todrick Hall

  • Additional Book Material: Kate Wetherhead

  • Orchestrator & Arranger: Tom Curran

  • Set Designer: Nate Bertone

  • Costume Design: Marco Marco, with additional designs by Roberto Surace

  • Lighting Design: Rory Beaton

  • Video Design: Nina Dunn

  • Sound Design: Ben Harrison

  • Wigs and Hair Design: Jessica Plews

  • Make-up Design: Dominic Skinner

  • Musical Supervisor: Toby Higgins

  • Casting Director: Harry Blumenau

  • Production Manager: Patrick Malony

  • Associate Director & Choreographer: Aaron Renfree

  • Associate Choreographer: Jenni Thomasson

  • Musical Director: Chris Poon

The show is executive produced by Christina Aguilera and produced by Adam Paulden, Jason Haigh-Ellery, Sue Gilad, Larry Rogowsky, Steven Antin, and Clint CulpepperBritish Theatre Mail - ….

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information

  • Dates: 10 July – 6 September 2025

  • Venue: Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, The Strand, London WC2R 0ET

  • Gala Night: Tuesday 22 July

  • Performance Times:

    • Monday–Saturday at 7.30pm

    • Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm

Bringing Burlesque Back to London

Following record-breaking regional previews in Manchester and Glasgow, Burlesque the Musical brings high-glamour, high-energy storytelling to the West End stage with a cast of internationally recognised performers and a contemporary pop-infused score. With its themes of resilience, reinvention, and self-expression, the production aims to inspire as much as it entertains.

A glittering, high-profile event in this year’s theatrical calendar, Burlesque is set to bring the heat to the Savoy Theatre this summer. Early booking is advised.

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