Jackie Burns and Jess Folley in Burlesque at the Opera House, Manchester. Picture: Johan Persson
Burlesque continues at the Opera House, Manchester until 2 November 2024.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The brilliant new musical Burlesque at the Opera House in Manchester is quite an experience, worth the trip up north to see before everyone else; a show that, with yet a little more polish, is bound to be a huge hit. Brought to life by a talented team of creatives who capture the essence of what is now an iconic movie musical from 2010 starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, this stage production captures the plucky, campy heart of the original story: a young ingenue’s journey to self-discovery amidst the shiny world of burlesque, not in Los Angeles this time but rather New York City.
Director and choreographer Nick Winston is well-renowned in the world of musical theatre, and his expertise in creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant productions is evident in every aspect of the show. He doesn’t hesitate in being influenced by Sweet Charity (‘Rich Man’s Frug’) and Chicago (‘Nowadays’), which are truly righteous citations; Mr Fosse would have adored to direct this show, so close to his burlesque background as it is.
Along with Steven Antin’s libretto, the additional material written by Kate Wetherhead adds depth and complexity to the story, providing the characters with more nuance and depth. And the fact that the two leads are now mother and daughter, unlike Aguilera and Cher in the movie, adds more of an emotional punch to the show, especially in the final duet ‘Got It All From You’, which is not without reverberations of ‘For Good’ from Wicked.
The show follows Ali, a young woman who leaves her small-town life in Iowa in search of her mother in New York City, where it turns out the latter, Tess, runs a burlesque club. Tess is played by Jackie Burns (the longest-running Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway), capturing the drag queen flair of Cher in the original despite her much younger age. Played by the uber-talented Jess Folley – X Factor – The Band winner, composer of most of the new songs, and true Aguilera alter ego – Ali is initially overwhelmed by the club’s glitz and glamour but her unwavering determination and natural talent soon endear her to Tess, who takes her under her wing and makes of her one of her best performers. Also helping her to master the art are the club’s other talented dancers, including the seasoned Sophia (Billie-Kay) and the ambitious newcomer Georgia (B Terry).
Standing out among the men are Vince (George Maguire) as a potential romantic connection, the club’s resident heartthrob Jackson (Michael Mather, originally played by Cam Gigandet), and, most notably, the amazing Todrick Hall as Sean the MC, delivering a spirited ‘That’s Life’.
Exploring the world of burlesque more than the movie does, this production is a visual feast, with stunning costumes, dazzling dance numbers and an electric atmosphere that keeps the audience in a tizzy of excitement, and of course the mother/daughter motif cannot but bring to mind another classic musical set in the world of burlesque.
The show wouldn’t be complete without its infectious soundtrack, including new and original songs by Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Folley and Hall, making for a perfect blend of classic burlesque tunes and contemporary pop hits. The performers’ powerful vocals and the high-energy dancing create a truly unforgettable experience in the way Moulin Rouge! does, but only more so.
The audience is also in for a night of dazzling costumes – bravo to Ryan Dawson Laight, for his spectacular work in this department – and inventive lighting by Jack Knowles. Through it all, the heart of Burlesque lies in the empowering message of female camaraderie and self-belief. It’s a must-see show that will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired and ready to embrace your own inner star.
Given its phenomenal success in Manchester after smashing it in Glasgow, it’s no surprise that, even if some ensemble tinkering still needs to be done, plans are underway for a wider tour (and why not the West End?), poised to captivate audiences across the UK with its kinetic energy and razzle dazzle. A big thank you to the production team for creating such a magical, memorable project.
Patrick Honoré
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