If there was ever a musical designed to arrive in a shower of sequins, feathers, and sheer theatrical excess, it is Burlesque. And this new UK tour which as arrived at the Bradford Alhambra wastes little time reminding us that subtlety was never really part of the plan.
Burlesque
Based on Steven Antin’s 2010 film, the stage version follows Ali Rose (Gracie 0’Brien) as she arrives in New York searching for the mother she never knew, only to stumble into the intoxicating world of the Burlesque Lounge. What begins as a quest for answers quickly becomes a journey of self-discovery, ambition and finding a family in the most unlikely of places.
It is gloriously old-fashioned showbiz storytelling but dressed in considerably more glitter.
Faye Brookes steps into the role of Tess Richarde, the club owner originally played by Cher, and gives the character plenty of warmth beneath the hard-edged exterior. Brookes understands that Tess needs to be more than simply the woman behind the club: she is its heart, protector, and driving force.
The soundtrack combines songs associated with Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren with newer material from Todrick Hall and Jess Folley, creating a mixture of power ballads, pop anthems, and big theatrical numbers. This is not a jukebox musical per se – the songs fitted into the narrative with ease, though the issue here is that, unless you have seen the film version many of the songs will be unfamiliar to the audience – at times you wished that there was a big song that you could enjoy and sing along too.
The only familiar one heard was the ringtone on Ali’s mobile phone – naturally, it was Christina Aguilera’s hit, Genie in a Bottle.
When the production really hits its stride, it becomes difficult not to surrender to the spectacle. The choreography is bold, physical, and unapologetically glamorous, while the ensemble attacks every number with the kind of energy that you expect from a big musical.
There is plenty of humour too, particularly from Ryan Carter, who plays both Sean and Ms Loretta, giving the show some much-needed comic sparkle between the more emotionally charged moments. He lit up the Alhambra stage whenever he appeared with a charisma and charm– all done in the best possible taste!
Special mention to Davide Fienauri who plays the evil villain Vince, like the pantomime baddie he was devilishly devious but somehow very likeable.
What makes Burlesque work is that beneath all the rhinestones and risqué routines, its story is surprisingly wholesome. This is ultimately about outsiders finding somewhere they belong, about taking a chance when the odds are stacked against you, and about discovering that family isn’t always defined by blood.
Yes, the plot can occasionally feel predictable. The storyline does lend itself to some of the more recent musicals doing the rounds: an entertainment venue facing close and a rally to save the closure. Some of the dialogue wears its theatricality proudly, and there are moments when the production piles on another song, another costume change, and another burst of choreography.
As they proudly boast at the start of the show that “Everyone has a little Burlesque in them” it would be hard to disagree after experiencing this spectacular, uplifting, and joyous show.
Bradford Alhambra – runs until Saturday 26 September, and then continues its UK-wide tour.
Burlesque The Musical | Bradford Theatres
Burlesque The Musical UK Tour | 2026–2027 Tickets & Dates
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