[Ad-gifted] Burlesque The Musical sashayed into The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent last night, bringing plenty of sparkle, sass and show-stopping attitude with it.
Based on the hit movie, Burlesque with music by Christina Sguilera, SIA, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley, the show invites you to a club like no other, a hidden world beneath the city lights where sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers and lives can change in the flick of a feather boa.
Written & Directed by Steven Antin, the musical follows Ali, a small-town dreamer who finds herself drawn into the glamorous, chaotic world of burlesque. What follows is a delicious mix of big vocals, fierce choreography, romance and enough glitter to make even the most reserved theatre-goer want to strut down the aisle. Behind the feathers and fabulous costumes, however, is a story about finding your family, your voice, taking chances and refusing to let anyone dim your spotlight. With a struggling theatre to save and dreams hanging in the balance, the stakes are high, but this show certainly doesn’t do anything quietly.
Burlesque the Musical is a scintillating journey of self-discovery that absolutely sizzles so keep on reading to find out what we thought of it.
What we thought of Burlesque The Musical
Soon as we walked into the theatre, the atmosphere was buzzing and you could tell that everyone was just excited to be there. You see… Burlesque The Musical is the kind of show that doesn’t simply walk onto the stage, it struts, sparkles and demands your attention and to be honest…it delivered from the moment the show started!
At its heart is Ali Rose (played by Gracie O’Brien), a young woman arriving in New York to find her mum whom she has not met for nearly 20 years and uncover who she is at the same time. She soon discovers a dazzling world filled with music, dance, friendship, romance and more sequins than you could shake a feather boa at. O’Brien fits in perfectly into her role of Ali taking the audience with her on a journey from nervous newcomer to confident performer. It is a demanding role, requiring both vulnerability and plenty of vocal firepower, but that transformation is what gives the story its heart.
Complementing her performance is Tyler Davis, who plays Jack. He brings vulnerability, warmth and impressive acting skill to the role, while the chemistry between O’Brien and Davis truly shines on stage. Without giving too much away, one particular scene prompted plenty of wolf whistles from the audience and left more than a few of us blushing!
Faye Brookes, best known for her role in the popular TV series Coronation Street, takes centre stage as Tess Richarde, bringing confidence, warmth and a wonderfully commanding presence to a woman who knows exactly what she wants. Brookes has the musical theatre pedigree to make Tess feel both glamorous and grounded, while giving the big numbers the vocal strength they deserve.
Ryan Carter brings an extra layer of fun and sass to the production in his role as Sean, while Davide Fienauri delivers such a convincing performance as Vince that I became completely immersed in the story and found myself really disliking his character!
And let’s be honest, with a show like Burlesque the Musical, the vocals have to deliver and boy, do they! With plenty of sparkle to match, every performer brings the stage to life through their impeccable vocals and electrifying performances. Combined with the magnificent set design by Sara Perks, striking lighting by Joshie Harriette, fabulous costumes by Maddie Mould, and precise choreography from Robert Antin, creator of The Pussycat Dolls, and Aaron Renfree, the production is a true feast for the senses.
Expectations for the show were high, and the routines certainly delivered. There is precision, glamour and endless energy, with the ensemble bringing the stage alive and ensuring there is rarely a dull moment.
So, if you like your musicals served with powerhouse vocals, dazzling dance routines, gorgeous costumes and a healthy helping of sass, Burlesque The Musical is ready for its close-up. And frankly, darling, the spotlight suits it beautifully.
Cast
Faye Brookes – Tess Richarde
Grace O’Brien – Ali Rose
Ryan Carter – Sean
Vanessa Ela Young – Nikki
Tyler Davis – Jack
Davide Fienauri – Vince
Macy Dermody Blythe – Queenie
Darnell Matthew James – Trey/Chardonnay
Leah Pugh – Daphne
Freya Baddeley – Peaches
Kizzi Pink Simpson – Pearl
Owen Stringer – Joe
Keith Alexander – Dash
Ensemble – Calum Rose
Swings – Emily Jane Fitton, Alexanda O’Reilly, Emma Lloyd, Rhys West
Creatives
Written & Directed by Steven Antin
Music by Christina Sguilera, SIA, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley
Director Racky Plews
Musical Director Robert Wicks
Casting Director Harry Bluemenau CDG CDA
Company Manager Janet Gautrey
Deputy Stage Manager Laura Thomas
Stage Manager Simon Batho
Chreographer Robert Antin, Aaron Renfree
Costume Designer Marco Marco
Set Design Sara Perks
Lighting Designer Joshie Harriette
Sound Design Ben Harrison
Head of Wardrobe Maddie Mould
Head of Sound Matt Coulson
Head of LX & Video Michael Seaman
Tech Swing Josh Cowan
How much are the tickets to Burlesque The Musical?
Tickets are priced from £15.60 to £93.60. For Groups (10 or more), call their dedicated Groups team on 020 7206 1174 or email groupsales@atgtickets.com. A transaction charge applies to online/phone bookings.
How do I book tickets to watch Burlesque The Musical ?
Tickets are now on sale online by visiting ATG’s website here. Age guidance: 12+. There will be strobe lighting, smoke and haze. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over. The accompanying adult must be seated with the under 16.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will be running until Saturday, 29 August 2026. Evening shows are at 7.30pm and there will be a matinee show at 2.30pm on Thursday and Saturday.
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
- Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park is the closest and it closes at 11.30pm while the Pottery Centre carpark charges a fixed rate of £1.50 (after 6pm) and this carpark closes at 11pm
- Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
- There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
- Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
- Accessible toilets are available
You may also want to read this:
Review: Chicago The Musical at The Regent Theatre
Review: Bat Out of Hell – The Musical at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
6 comments
Ahh love this show! It’s brilliant! The tickets are super reasonable too.
Kay
I have heard about this show before and how good it is, I do love a good musical and know this would be a show I would love. I need to see if it will be coming near me
This sounds wonderful! I’m a big fan of Burlesque, and it’s the perfect choice for this theater. A great musical and a great troupe!
I’d love to see Burlesque at the Regent. It sounds like they perfectly captured the over-the-top style and emotional content, as well.
I can’t can’t can’t wait to watch Burlesque the musical in person. I heard a lot about the show and how amazing it is and your wonderful review confirms it…Can’t wait to watch it.
That’s quite the team doing the music for Burlesque. I don’t know too much about it but it sounds like something I’d really enjoy x