Burlesque The Musical Dazzles West End With Glamorous Opening Night

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The West End shines that way now. Out of nowhere, Burlesque the Musical has been welcomed onto the London theater scene with talc-powder and glittering showers of sequins, headlights of powerful vocals, and potent star power. Based on the 2010 film starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, the show boasts quite a cast with Jess Folley, Orfeh, and Todrick Hall insisting that burlesque is not merely a show: It’s an experience.

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The promotional image is, itself, an event to witness. The six artists strike dramatic poses in costumes that mix golden-age burlesque with modern edge. One image stood out for me: an artist perched confidently atop a glowing, illegible marquee letter, radiating so much energy that it immediately grabs you and draws you to the ticket page. Purple and gold light drench the stage; it really looks like an upscale burlesque lounge with neon signs and bar shelves stocked for a night of indulgence. This visual is a family pull; it dares anyone to look away.

The launch reception has been just so electric. “Congrats to the entire cast and crew!!!! It’s SOOO good!!!!” gushes one, “This is so incredibly important to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” says another. The buzz does not come from the audiences alone; Todrick Hall showed up to thank BroadwayWorld for supporting and express his excitement that the production will finally be in the view of the public.

Yet the hype is more than the visuals. The clamoring for more is there; one asks, “I hope we get a cast recording,” another confesses that they would “die to hear Orfeh sing Welcome to Burlesque.” (Good news to that one — apparently, the song has since been reinstated to the set list.) And making London burn now-soon-to-be Broadway hopefuls buzz with the possibility of a transfer. “Would love to see this come to Broadway! Heard they are loving it at the West End,” one mused.

If the buzz says anything, that tells us: Burlesque the Musical is not just a show, but a happening. With glitter, vocals, and shades of gruesome spectacle, this production is not here to play it safe. It struts, shimmies, and commands your attention. Everyone seems to love it and, so, it has.

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So I guess this could be your ticket, whether dealing with the well-established original-movie-goer or a grab-me-a-glitter-night experience. Just don’t come to us for blaming if you leave ready to bedazzle everything! Meanwhile, if you’re interested in more stories about Christina Aguilera, feel free to explore!