Glamorous and glitzy and in Glasgow before London’s West End. That’s what makes this musical so magical.
Based on the 2010 film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, this fast moving show is in Scotland until Saturday 28th September and its one not to miss. With its premiere in Manchester, Burlesque the Musical is yet to hit London and has been so successful, that it is set to go back to the North of England next month.
Everything about the performance oozes luxury. From the top tier dazzling and revolving stage to the glitzy costumes and scenery and of course a fabulous cast.
The audience follows the story of Ali Rose (Jess Folley) who leaves the safety of her small town home of Iowa for New York City in search of her birth mother.
Her arrival does not start well when thieves take all her possessions, but Ali is rescued by Jackson (Michael Mather) who happens to work in the same struggling Burlesque club as her real mum, Tess (Jackie Burns) busy fighting to keep her business alive.
The storyline follows the original film with the addition of Miss Loretta (Todrick Hall) who is Ali’s mentor from Iowa and is a hilarious extra, with the actor showing his versatility by switching roles from Loretta to Sean, the loveable club favourite, with aplomb and Todrick proves to be a real audience favourite.
Folley is the star of the show though. The former winner of “The Voice Kids UK” as a 14-year-old, has a powerful singing voice and her acting skills are on par as she battles to show her true self to Tess, while fighting off the complications of jealous Nikki (Nina Ann Nelson) who is keen to be the star of the Burlesque club.
With the added problem of Tess’s ex Vince (George Maguire) trying to take control of the club, the audience has a gritty story, inter-sprinkled with some cracking music including originals from the film, Welcome to Burlesque, Show Me How to Burlesque, Express and You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me, alongside some excellent new original material by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren and stars Jess Folley and Todrick Hall.
The big band music under the direction of Chris Poon is loud, brash and stylish and brings a real panache to a show which is bright and bolshy.
Burlesque – A Big New Musical, runs at Theatre Royal Glasgow until Saturday 28th September and then moves to Manchester Opera House from 3rd October to 2nd November 2024. Tickets are available via www.atgtickets.com.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family
Photographs by Johan Persson
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