Alexandra Burke will star in I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical. Picture: Danny Kaan
Former X Factor champion turned musical theatre star Alexandra Burke will play 10-time Grammy Award-winner Chaka Khan when I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical receives its world premiere in London early next year.
Presented by Adrian Grant in association with Chaka Khan, the musical celebration of the superstar singer’s life and times is due to play a strictly limited run at the Peacock Theatre from 5-28 March 2026.
Looking forward to playing one of her idols on stage, Burke (The Bodyguard, Sister Act) said: “Almost 17 years ago, with my late mother by my side, I sang Chaka for my very first non-televised audition for The X Factor. To think that all these years later I’ve been given the opportunity to play the superstar that is Chaka Khan in the West End would have been simply unimaginable for me back then. Thank you mama for all your love and guidance as I was growing up, you are in my thoughts every day and I’ll be lovingly looking up at you every single show.
“This truly is a dream role for me, my first originating, and I’m still pinching myself wondering if I’m dreaming! Of course we know and love the classics ‘I’m Every Woman’, ‘Ain’t Nobody’ and ‘I Feel For You’ but I encourage you to dive deep into her incredible solo and Rufus catalogue, it’s timeless and iconic just like the legend herself.”
Directed by Racky Plews, the production will also feature Jordan Frazier (Hamilton) as alternate Chaka Khan, Paige Peddie (The Lion King) as Taka Boom, Chanice Alexander-Burnett (Les Misérables) as Tammy Michelle/Paulette McWilliams, Charlotte St Croix (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) as Milini Khan/Whitney Houston, Maryla Abraham (Coming to England) as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl (Lizard Boy) as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O’Garro (Kinky Boots) as Hassan Khan/Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley (The Drifters Girl) as Richard Holland/Prince, Teddy Wills (Get Up, Stand Up!) as Fred Hampton/Miles Davis/Grand Master Melle Mel, Chris Breistein (An Officer and a Gentleman) as Steve Winwood and Oliver Jacobson (Come From Away) as Bob Monaco.
Completing the cast in the ensemble are: Samuel Sarpong-Broni (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical), Kayleigh Stephenson (We Will Rock You), Peter Houston (Hamilton), Earl Gregory (Play On!), Vanessa Dumatey (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical), Gregory Armand (Mandela), Harry Robinson (Hamilton), Zinzilé Tshuma (Thriller Live!), Oskarina O’Sullivan (Thriller Live!) and Tarik Frimpong (A Strange Loop) who will also be resident choreographer.
Featuring a book by Nia T Hill, the musical will showcase Chaka Khan-voiced hits as a solo artist and as the lead singer of Rufus, including ‘I Feel For You’, ‘Tell Me Something Good’, ‘Ain’t Nobody’, ‘Sweet Thing’, ‘Higher Love’ and ‘Through the Fire’.
Musical supervision will be by Mark Crossland, with choreography by Ebony Clarke, set design by Sara Perks, sound design by Chris Whybrow, costume design by Natalie Pryce, hair and make-up design by JJ Wigs, casting by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, production management by Toby P Darvill and general management by Emily Obasohan.
Commenting on the production earlier this year, Khan said: “Many of you know that my life has always influenced my music – but you may not know the full story. I’ve lived a rich, beautiful, and sometimes difficult life, and now those experiences will come alive on stage in I’m Every Woman: The Musical. It’s the greatest honour to have my journey and work celebrated in this way. London holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share this moment with the fans who have sung, danced and stood by me through it all. I’ve always wanted to inspire joy, truth, and love – and I know this musical will be filled with all of that and more. This is for you!”
Producer Grant added: I’m excited to be bringing a stage show about the life of Chaka Khan to the West End. I grew up listening to hits such as ‘Ain’t Nobody’ and ‘I Feel For You’, with her powerhouse vocals and electric videos which have left an undeniable imprint on popular culture. My brilliant creative team cannot wait to present that energy on stage, with a bold and empowering new musical celebrating Chaka’s legacy and amazing catalogue of songs.”
Angela Thomas
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