The Regent Theatre’s autumn season got off to a great start last night with the much anticipated staging of Burlesque The Musical.  Written by Steve Antin - who also wrote the original film score, and directed by Racky Plews - Burlesque is a feast of a show filled with drama, musical mastery, glamour and theatrical pzazz!

Currently touring the UK,  Burlesque takes the original film script to a whole new level as audiences are immersed into the sexy and steamy world of New York’s underground club scene.

A world full of enticing music and mesmerising dance routines, coupled with scintillating costumes and personal narratives, the show lures you into a world of love and lust, joy and darkness whilst set to a phenomenal musical score written by, amongst others, Christina Aguilera and Sia.

The creative element is impressive from the outset with dazzling sumptuous costumes, wonderful staging and sensational lighting recreating the ambience of a New York Burlesque club where residents are entertained and the performers are candid with their personal lives.

It’s here that we get to meet Ali, a gospel singing girl from Iowa who journey to find her real mother takes her to a place she would never have imagined existed, yet alone be part of.  Grace O’Brien is outstanding in the lead role. Her vocals and ability to seamlessly weave small town country girl with sexy city showgirl is truly engaging and very convincing.  Ali’s tale of self-discovery and heartfelt reconciliation is as impressive as the original role played by Christine Aguilera in the 2010 film. It has however been updated and has now evolved into a more modern storyline.  The musical has new adaptations to the original film which may not fit well with purists. That said, it does retain the same powerful impact, even with extensive plot alterations.

Burlesque is choc full of wonderful numbers including beautiful and memorable emotional ballads, as well as the hard-hitting numbers recognisable to most.  The power hitting role of Tess is played by the charismatic and hugely talented Faye Brookes. She is fabulous in the role of a tough club owner with a soft heart. The relationship between Tess and Ali is very engaging to watch, and the two women have real stage presence. The developing love story between Ali and Jack, played Tyler Davies, is another compelling element to story.

A big shout out also needs to go to Ryan Carter who gives a riveting performance in the role of Sean.  He is sensational as the lynchpin of the club - host, friend, reality checker - and also the compere of the production. Vanessa Ela Young as Nikki is stunning and a dream to watch, whilst the ghastly role of Vince is wonderfully portrayed with appropriate menace and emotional narcissistic charm by Davide Fienauri. The show’s ensemble is glorious and the dance routines are performed with the professionalism you would expect from such a top production.

Burlesque is everything a good musical should be - seductively engaging, emotionally expressive and visually tantalising. A sensational powerhouse of a show!

5 Stars

Reviewed by Carol Lovatt at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. Burlesque The Musical continues to show at the venue until Saturday 29 August. Burlesque then returns to the Midlands to play The Alexandra, Birmingham, from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 October and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 April 2027