Southwark Playhouse (Borough), London – until 19 April 2025
Reviewed by Phil Brown
4****
I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a theatre programme say “Spoiler Alert – we advise you to read this article after seeing the play – not before”. It’s a very good piece by the way, but an interesting approach to introducing what is certainly an intriguing event.
However, it seems unlikely that anyone planning to see Jonathan Maitland’s extraordinary play isn’t already acquainted to some degree with Wilko (well played by Willis Johnson). But for the record, John Wilkinson, otherwise known as Wilko Johnson, (and “don’t ever call me John ‘cos I’ll hit you”), was a guitarist/songwriter that came to prominence as a key member of Dr Feelgood – a four piece band that stormed to the front of the burgeoning pub rock scene in the mid to late 1970s with a take no prisoners, kick-ass show.
Although musically much more derivative of the 60s R&B era, the band is often cited as influential on the nascent punk rock scene thanks to Wilko’s unique guitar style and the frantic on stage energy . In a remarkable eruption of creativity matching output levels of earlier times, the Feelgoods recorded 4 albums in the two year period 1975-1977 – ‘Down by the Jetty’, ‘Malpractice’, ‘Stupidity’ (Live) and ‘Sneaking Suspicion’ – all based around Wilko’s songs and selected cover material.
The brutal truth is though, Wilko’s relatively brief spell in Dr Feelgood was the highpoint of his music career, at least until his farewell tour in 2013 with Roger Daltrey. He removed himself from his own band over the time-honoured musical differences (actually more lyrical than musical). As a consequence, the core music in Maitland’s play all comes from that period, and casting wise, the play is built around performers who can also play the Feelgoods music, even though it covers a much broader sweep of Wilko’s life. Of the remaining Feelgoods, singer Lee Brilleaux is played brilliantly by Jon House who also blows a mean gob-iron, whilst bass player Sparko (Georgina Field) and drummer Big Figure (David John) form a powerful rhythm section. (Following Wilko’s departure, the Feelgoods carried on successfully, surviving Lee Brilleaux’s death in 1994, and like Trigger’s broom, continue to this day but with none of the original parts).
Maitland has done a thoughtful job of structuring this fascinating play to present and link the decisive episodes in Wilko’s life dramatically and smoothly. You are hooked from the opening scene and it doesn’t let go until the very end. It starts with Wilko getting the news he has pancreatic cancer and his decision to eschew chemotherapy in order to properly enjoy his remaining days. The apparent certainty invigorates him, lifting a predisposition to depression.
This leads to moments of reflection where we see teenage Wilko seeing the beauty in home (Canvey Island), meeting his future wife Irene Knight (a superbly convincing Georgina Fairbanks), locking horns with his dad (Jon House), challenging his English teacher at Westcliffe High School for Boys (also Jon House) and as a member of the Jug Band playing a charming skiffle version of “Route 66” outside the Monico on Canvey to impress Irene. They marry as teenagers and Wilko goes off to study English Language and Literature at Newcastle University (not Cambridge – “they don’t have people who speak like me – bastards”). It was a happy time – Wilko quoting Wordsworth says “bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, But to be young was very heaven”. Maitland makes good but sparing use of such poetic quotations to underline Wilko’s deep love of literature. Apparently, he knew all of Shakespeare’s sonnets by heart.
Regarded as an English eccentric, this sequence highlights some key facets of Wilko’s personality – his romanticism, his literary and artistic aspirations and his childlike impatience with conventional attitudes and authority. But for all his scholarship (poetry and later astronomy), he was far from being a sophisticate and this play gives an unvarnished view of a someone who was fundamentally lacking in maturity – he could be naive, selfish, impulsive, prickly, arrogant, unfaithful and contrarian.
The remainder of Part 1 whisks us through the post Feelgood bands – Solid Senders and the Blockheads (who were too musical for him) – and as a solo artist until the life changing moment Irene dies of cancer in 2004.
Part 2 opens with Wilko, still not over the death of Irene in 2013, having 12 months to live. Cue more philosophical reflections on the Feelgoods – the perfect four piston engine, and life in general – “be not afraid of death, be afraid of a life unlived”. Determined to follow this philosophy, Wilko undertakes a pilgrimage to Japan and then returns to record and tour the “Going Back Home” album with Roger Daltrey. Meanwhile, part time rock photographer and cancer doctor Charlie Chan notices something unusual at the final Camden gig – Wilko seems far too healthy to be sprauncing around on stage with terminal pancreatic cancer. This leads to a second opinion and an entirely successful 12 hour operation at Addenbrookes to remove the growth along with several other internal organs. The play concludes with more Dr Feelgood regrets, neatly bringing the band back to the stage for a couple of concluding songs.
In truth, no performer could have choreographed a better ending to their career than Wilko. It has certainly confirmed his place amongst the legends of rock music. Whilst I think the balance of music to speech was a little uneven (ie not enough), Jonathan Maitland’s play, well directed by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart is a fond and touching fan’s tribute to a singular character. An unusual, immaculately produced real life drama with superb music.
Sonia Friedman Productions and ATG Productions are delighted to announce that the multi Olivier Award-winning hit musical SUNNY AFTERNOON will return for a 2025/2026 UK tour opening at the Manchester Palace Theatre on 10 October 2025, where it will play until 18 October 2025. Tour schedule below with further dates and casting to be announced soon. thekinksmusical.com/uktour
Ray Davies said today, “In these times of political uncertainties, it is a relief to know that SUNNY AFTERNOON is on the horizon to lift our spirits”.
Producer Sonia Friedman said today, “From the moment Ray Davies, Joe Penhall, Ed Hall, and I began developing this musical, I knew it was something extremely special, and it proved to be so as we opened to rave reviews and won many awards. Now, I’m thrilled that we’re bringing back our joyous, celebratory, Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical for a new UK tour. Ray Davies’ music and lyrics capture the poetry and poignancy of everyday life with honesty and wit, and The Kinks’ music, attitude and vibe shaped a generation. Their astonishing legacy continues to resonate, making SUNNY AFTERNOON as exhilarating and relevant today as ever. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or experiencing it all over again, I can’t wait for audiences across the UK to see it — I’ve truly missed it.”
SUNNY AFTERNOON celebrates the raw energy, passion and timeless sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, THE KINKS. Charting the euphoric highs and agonising lows, it tells their story through an incredible back catalogue of chart-toppers, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night.”
SUNNY AFTERNOON was the recipient of four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music for Ray Davies
Set against the backdrop of Britain on the cusp of the rebellious ’60s, SUNNY AFTERNOON is an exhilarating and moving celebration of the music, life, and the band that changed it all.
Following a sell-out run at Hampstead Theatre, SUNNY AFTERNOON opened to critical acclaim at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End where it ran for two years ahead of its sensational sell-out tour of the UK and Ireland throughout 2016/17.
SUNNY AFTERNOON has music and lyrics by Ray Davies with a book by Joe Penhall and original story by Ray Davies. It is directed by Edward Hall and designed by Miriam Buether with choreography by Adam Cooper. Lighting design is by Rick Fisher with sound design by Matt McKenzie. Musical and vocal adaptations are by Ray Davies and Elliott Ware based on original Kinks’ recordings.
The producers of Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical the Rocky Horror Show, have added further casting for the 25 major UK Tour.
An exceptional cast will be bringing their biggest party yet to audiences across the country. Adam Strong (We Will Rock You / Disney’s Aladdin) will be making his Rocky debut, playing Frank. Motherland star Jackie Clune is set to bring star power to the show, stepping into the spotlight as The Narrator.
Brad will be played by Connor Carson, Janet by Lauren Chia, Riff Raff by Job Greuter and Magenta / Usherette by Natasha Hoeberigs. Columbia will be played by Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, Rocky by Morgan Jackson and Eddie / Dr Scott by Edward Bullingham.
Completing the cast are Phantoms Ryan Carter-Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson, Erica Wild with on-stage swing Alex Hetherington and on-stage swing/dance captain Stacey Monahan.
The Rocky Horror Show defies space and time as it continues to captivate audiences around the world featuring all the outrageous characters and infectious energy that has made the show a global phenomenon for over five decades. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all the famous musical numbers which have made the Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for 50 years and counting, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “Time Warp”.
The show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.
The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80.
Since it first opened, the Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out tour.
In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in the Rocky Horror Show over the past 50 years.
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, the Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!
The Rocky Horror Show comes to Richmond Theatre 28th April – 3rd May.
Legendary, unpredictable and utterly fabulous—Liza Minnelli is back… well, almost! Trevor Ashley returns to the Menier Chocolate Factory after his unforgettable turn as Roger De Bris in The Producers, bringing his signature wit, powerhouse vocals and dazzling impersonation to LIZA in TYPSY! running from 7 to 11 May.
Described by The Guardian as elevating comedy to a “hysterical pitch,” Ashley has wowed audiences as Liza from the Sydney Opera House to New York’s Sony Hall and the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre. Now, he takes it to the next level with outrageous gags, jaw-dropping vocals and more sequins than Studio 54—all with a few too many cocktails.
Backed by a sensational live seven-piece band, this is Liza as you’ve never seen her before—dazzling, decadent and delightfully drunk!
Trevor Ashley’s Australian theatre work includes Les Misérables, Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His television work includes RFDS – Royal Flying Doctor Service, Les Norton and Significant Others; and for film, Seriously Red. Also a renowned cabaret performer, he has performed Liza (on an E), I’m Every Woman and Diamonds are for Trevor. He was the runner-up on Queen of the Universe. He will reprise his role of Roger De Bris for the West End transfer of The Producers later this year.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS
Until 3 May
LIZA in TYPSY!
7-11 May
Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking) Public booking from 26 March
North East born Adam Strong will be donning his best pair of fishnet stocking as he struts on to the Darlington Hippodrome stage as Frank n Furter in the UK Tour of The Rocky Horror Show at the end of March. We spoke to Adam about the show, his role and his stage highlights.
Age, partner, kids, pets?? Where you live now? When did you first realise you had some talent – was it encouraged at school? At home?
I have 5 dogs at the family home, I’m based just outside of Durham, but I’m always on the tour. My sister was a dancer for many years, and I used to love watching her, especially in the Panto at the Sunderland Empire, which she did for many years. She was the one who encouraged me to get started in musical theatre and helped me land my first role in South Pacific at the Sunderland Empire.
Tell me a bit about your childhood, growing up in the North East. Do you still consider yourself a North-Easterner? Do you still have your Sunderland accent?
I very much consider myself as someone from the North East. My accent is quite mild now. But it certainly comes out when I speak to my Mam, or when I’m at home.
What was the first major role you played and where?
My first musical as an adult was Jesus Christ Superstar, the Arena tour, Starring Tim Minchin and Mel C, I played a priest and understudied the role of Annas. I had the most amazing time touring the world with that show and performing in an arena was just unbelievable.
You’ve performed all over the world. What have been the highlights (venues and roles).
I have many career highlights, I think performing opposite Brian May for our Gala Performance of We Will Rock You will always stick out as being one of my proudest moments. The North East always has a special place in my heart, so anytime I get to come home to perform is a blessing.
Have you played Frank n Furter before – what do you love about the role?
I haven’t played Frank before until this tour, it has always been a dream and goal of mine. It’s such an empowering role and I get to sing all of my favourite songs and be part of the cult musical’s history.
Are you looking forward to performing back in the region and will you be visiting family while you are here? Do you get to come back home to Sunderland much? And when you do, what are your favourite places in the region to visit?
I can’t wait to bring the show back to the North East, I’ve got a lot of friends and family who are coming to support me. I’ll be staying at my house which is rare and my parents live on the same street as me, so I can’t wait for some home cooked food and to get to see the dogs. I get back home when I can, it just all depends on my tour schedule, I’m quite south for a lot of this tour, so not as much as I’d like. I’m looking forward to getting some fresh sea air when I’m home and having some proper fish and chips, nobody does it like we do.
What’s next on the Adam Strong agenda?
As for what’s next, it’s way too early to say, I’m with Rocky Horror until the end of August, so I haven’t even started auditioning for the next project as yet.
The Rocky Horror Show runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 31 March to Saturday 5 April. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405
WEST END SHOW ALERTLeave reality at the door and step into the surreal world of
The Rock‘n’Roll Alien A multi-visual voyage into the music and artistry of David Bowie featuring a cast of amazing singers, dancers and live band
One night only in the West End!
ADELPHI THEATRE 410 Strand London WC2R 0NS
Tuesday 27 May, 2025 at 7.30pm
The Bowie Show sold out its West End debut at the Lyric Theatre and at venues across the UK earlier this year earning 5★ rave reviews.
Now this multi-visual voyage into the music and artistry of David Bowie will return in triumph to the West End’s Adelphi Theatre for one night only on Tuesday May 27 with a new name – The Rock‘n’Roll Alien.
From the alter-ego of Ziggy Stardust, through the dark and desolate years of Berlin, the pure joy of Let’s Dance to the genius of Blackstar, this is a theatrical reimagining of Bowie’s artistry. Featuring world-class musicians, dancers, elaborate costumes, and stunning visuals, experience a night of breathtaking and otherworldly performances that celebrate his ever-evolving genius in a way you’ve never seen before.
At the beating heart of this sensational show is an exceptional live band performing arguably the most sonically accurate versions of David Bowie’s greatest records with one or two surprises mixed in for good measure. The music at the core of the show has garnered praise from illustrious Bowie alumni such as longest serving bandmate Mike Garson, iconic Bowie producer Ken Scott and the legendary Rick Wakeman who – few know – played piano on the recording of Bowie’s Life on Mars.
Exploring the fashion and musical treasure trove of a man who recorded the classic album Hunky Dory at only 23, this production respectfully curates his legacy and in so doing delivers a kick-ass rock n roll show. It is an absolute must for the “Kooks” and Bowie curious alike.
Created & Directed by Simon Gwilliam Costume Director Sadie Yukon Producers Simon Gwilliam and Sadie Yukon Executive Producer John Dalston Critical reaction to the show, reviewed at Golders Green Hippodrome
CBeebies star Jennie Dale joins the cast of Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal this festive season
Star of CBeebies Swashbuckle, Jennie Dale, has been cast as Fairy Moonbeam in this year’s spellbinding family pantomime Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal.
Jennie is known for playing Captain Captain in the beloved CBeebies TV series Swashbuckle and for presenting her show Jennie’s Fitness in 5 for CBeebies and CBBC. Her theatre credits include Elf (Dominion Theatre), The Pajama Game (Shaftesbury Theatre), Sister Act (London Palladium), The Lord of the Rings (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), and Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre).
Jennie has appeared in a number of CBeebies’ pantomimes, including most recently as Growl in Beauty and the Beast, Sheriff in Robin Hood, Mrs Fitzwarren in Dick Whittington and his Cat and Jiffy in Christmas in Storyland.
The show is written by Paul Hendy, directed by Juliet Forster and co-produced with award-winning Evolution Productions – the team behind previous York pantomime hits All New Adventures of Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk and last year’s Aladdin.
Juliet Forster, Creative Director at York Theatre Royal, said: “Fairy Moonbeam is such a fun role and I can’t wait to welcome Jennie to York Theatre Royal’s stage this Christmas. Jennie is fabulously talented and York audiences can expect a real treat with this year’s pantomime. Don’t miss it!”
Sleeping Beauty director Juliet Forster also previously directed Jennie as the Nurse in a CBeebies production of Romeo & Juliet.
Paul Hendy, Sleeping Beauty writer and producer, from Evolution Productions, said: “We’re delighted Jennie Dale will be joining the cast of Sleeping Beauty as Fairy Moonbeam. She’s an absolutely fantastic West End performer, and CBeebies’ star, who we know will amaze the pantomime audiences at York Theatre Royal. Sleeping Beauty is going to be a truly spectacular show, book now!”
Jennie joins Robin Simpson who will return to York Theatre Royal as the Dame. With stunning costumes, gorgeous sets, dazzling special effects and lots of hilarious jokes, Sleeping Beauty is set to be a festive treat for the whole family.
Early birds who book before the end of March 2025 can benefit from a price freeze on ticket prices, with options ranging from £15 to £43.50.
Sleeping Beauty is at York Theatre Royal from 2 December to 4 January. Tickets are available Box office 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
A new “New Musical” showcase, Before It Hits brings snapshots of six in-development musicals by some of the West End’s best emerging writers to Upstairs At The Gatehouse for two nights only, on Friday 9 May and Saturday 10 May 2025.
Hosted by stand up comedian FARAH SHARP (named ‘One to watch’ in the Funny Women Awards and featured on BBC Radio 4) and created by the team behind Olivier-nominated The Choir of Man, expect to see a variety of exciting, diverse new shows at various stages of their development.
The first outing of Before It Hits is set to feature works by established West End writers, creatives and performers, and will include guest performances by Grammy-longlisted songwriter and MT Composer CAROLINE KAY.
Featured Shows will include:
Proud by Lee Freeman, Mark Anderson and Graham Lappin (9th and 10th May)
The Vigilante by Hilmi Jaidin (9th and 10th May)
LightningBoy by Charlie Turner and Liv Warden (9th and 10th May)
Maison Mac by Rudy Percival and Sam Woof (9th and 10th May)
This Is My Name by Dominique La Victoria and Melisa Camba (9th May only)
Love From Other People’s Lives by Tom Blacket and Ehsaan Shivarani (9th May only)
Sally In The Woods by P Burton-Morgan and James Joshua Otto (10th May only)
REANIMATOR by Ben Glasstone (10th May only)
Contributing Writers:
MARK ANDERSON is a lyricist and bookwriter whose lyric work includes LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER (West End), TREASURE ISLAND (Barn Theatre), THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Barn Theatre), PROUD (MTfest), and WEST END BARES (lyricist for 5 years). LEE FREEMAN is a musical director, composer and orchestrator, whose work includes THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Barn Theatre), TREASURE ISLAND (Barn Theatre), CHAT! (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), BENT (Landor/Tabard Theatre) and THE MUSIC OF LEE FREEMAN (Page to Stage). He is currently orchestrating NYMT’s new musical LIGHTNING BOY. GRAHAM LAPPIN is a writer and composer, whose shows include RELIABLE FICTIONS: A SONG CYCLE, CLIMB WAY UP (Hope Mill Theatre and original cast recording), THE RISE (in development for production in 2026), BUT WHOSE HEART? (53Two) and A LITTLE MARK (Hope Mill Theatre).
HILMI JAIDIN is the lyricist for Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming movie musical CHRISTMAS KARMA and he also provided additional lyrics for the original run of the RSC’s MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO.
CHARLIE TURNER is a songwriter whose work includes songs for Kerry Ellis ft Brian May and X Factor winner Shayne Ward. LIV WARDEN is a bookwriter whose work includes ANOMALY (Old Red Lion Theatre), Channel 4 screenwriting mentorship alumni.
SAM WOOF is an award-winning writer/director whose work includes FOUR FELONS AND A FUNERAL (Birmingham Hippodrome); ACTUALLY, LOVE (Orange Tree – Playbill Pick of the Fringe); SEX WITH FRIENDS (North Wall – Musical Theatre Review Award Winner). RUDY PERCIVAL is a composer whose credits include THE MOZART QUESTION (Barn Theatre) featured by The Guardian’s Observer in their ‘10 best shows of 2022; LESSONS ON REVOLUTION (Soho Theatre & Jermyn Street Theatre) selected for The Scotsman’s ‘Best Shows of the Fringe’; The Criterion Theatre’s 150th Anniversary Gala.
DOMINIQUE LA VICTORIA is a writer whose works include TOWARD THE FIRES OF REVOLUTION (PETA Theater, Philippines and Panas Panas Theatre Company, Malaysia) and THE BOY IN THE DRUM (Cultural Center of the Philippines and Bindlestiff Studios, USA). MELISA CAMBA is a songwriter and performer, whose writing includes BOSES (Maiden Speech Theatre Festival) and Greta’s Song (NEWSFEED at The Southwark Playhouse)
EHSAAN SHIVARANI is a Composer, Orchestrator and West End Musical Supervisor whose recent credits include THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2024): Associate Music Supervisor, Additional Arrangements & Additional Orchestrations (Dominion Theatre & Theatre Royal Plymouth); TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL (2023-24): Associate MD, Keys 1 (Aldwych Theatre); STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE (2023): Associate MD, Keys 2, Guitar 2 (The Olivier Theatre at The National Theatre & The Crucible Sheffield). TOM BLACKET is a writer, lyricist and composer who trained at the Royal Academy of Music. He has previously worked as a freelance radio producer and reporter for the BBC. LOVE FROM OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES is his debut musical.
P BURTON-MORGANis Artistic Director of Metta Theatre, and their recent work includes SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE POISONWOOD (Watermill), THE RHYTHMICS (Southwark Playhouse), CELLS (YouTube), IN THE WILLOWS (Exeter Northcott/16 week tour, winner of WGGB MT book-writing award 2020). JAMES JOSHUA OTTO is a composer whose recent media work includes the 2023 Duracell Christmas commercial, and in theatre has orchestrated for the UK tour of TREASON THE MUSICAL, which culminated in a performance at The London Palladium.
BEN GLASSTONE won the Stiles and Drewe Mentorship prize in 2017, and his prolific body of work includes writing music and lyrics for THE RHYTHMICS (Southwark Playhouse) in 2021 and SHERLOCK AND THE POISONWOOD (Watermill) in 2024.
JACK BLUME, producer of Before It Hits says “With such a flourishing scene of new Musical writing in the UK, we are thrilled to present a selection of delicious tasters from a variety of new shows by a diverse pool of writers, and to be lifting the veil from the lengthy development process. Wouldn’t it have been cool to see 15 minutes of Hamilton, before it was Hamilton?”
London, Monday 24 March 2025 – The Producers of Burlesque the Musical, based on the iconic Golden Globe Best Picture nominated film Burlesque,starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, are thrilled to announce its highly anticipated West End premiere. This follows the show’s record-breaking previews with over 120k tickets sold, where audiences agreed it’s the most exciting movie musical to come to the stage in decades.
Burlesque the Musical will begin performances at the Savoy Theatre on The Strand on Thursday 10 July 2025 and run until Saturday 6 September 2025. The Gala Night is on Tuesday 22 July at 7pm.
The new musical, written and produced by Steven Antin, with additional material by Kate Wetherhead is a scintillating journey of self-discovery that absolutely sizzles with songs by Christina Aguilera and Sia, with new music by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley.
Christina Aguilera, Executive Producer of Burlesque the Musical and star of the original film said:
“I’m proud that Burlesque the Musical is coming to London’s West End! Our journey of making this film to bringing this show to the stage has been so special and exciting. Following our successful previews, having the show land in the West End later this year is a dream come true!”
Welcome to Burlesque the Musical, the glamorous, gritty and outrageously fun new musical based on the much-loved hit movie that reminds us…Life Isn’t Fair…It’s Fabulous!
Discover a club like no other…a place beneath the city lights where the sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers, and a life can change in the flick of a feather boa.
When Ali heads to New York in search of her mother, she finds herself drawn into a dazzling underground world where the beat of the music and the heat of the dance moves will change her life forever. Ali will unwittingly find her extraordinary voice and a most unlikely family of misfits, dreamers, and schemers.
Burlesque The Musical is produced by Adam Paulden & Jason Haigh-Ellery and Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky, Steven Antin & Christina Aguilera and Clint Culpepper.
FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR MAJOR REVIVAL OF MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION,
STARRINGIMELDA STAUNTON AND BESSIE CARTER
Sonia Friedman Productions today announces full principal casting for the upcoming major revival of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession,directed by Dominic Cooke. Joining the previously announced Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter are Kevin Doyle, Robert Glenister, Reuben Joseph and Sid Sagar.
Newly edited for this production by Dominic Cooke, Mrs. Warren’s Profession opens at the Garrick Theatre on 22 May, with previews from 10 May. The strictly limited run will end on 16 August.
Sonia Friedman Productions presents
MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION
by George Bernard Shaw
Cast: Imelda Staunton (Mrs. Kitty Warren), Bessie Carter (Vivie Warren), Kevin Doyle (Reverend Samuel Gardner), Robert Glenister (Sir George Crofts), Reuben Joseph (Frank Gardner) and Sid Sagar (Mr. Praed)
Director: Dominic Cooke; Designer: Chloe Lamford; Lighting Designer: Jon Clark;
Sound Designer: Christopher Shutt; Casting: Amy Ball CDG
“I am my mother’s daughter. I am like you. But my work is not your work, and my way is not your way.”
Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Estranged from her wealthy mother, she delights in a glass of whisky, a good detective story, and is determined to carve herself a sparkling legal career in an age ruled by men.
Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune and paid for her daughter’s expensive education – but at what cost?
Four-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) joins forces with her daughter Bessie Carter (Bridgerton, Dear Octopus) for the very first time, reuniting with the extraordinary director Dominic Cooke (Hello, Dolly!,Good) to bring George Bernard Shaw’s incendiary moral classic crashing into the 21st Century.
George Bernard Shaw’s play, written in 1893, was banned by the Lord Chamberlain for 30 years due to its candid discussion of prostitution and wasn’t performed in London until 1925.
George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950) was an Irish playwright. His major works include Arms and the Man, Candida, The Philanderer, The Devil’s Disciple, Man and Superman, Major Barbara, The Doctor’s Dilemma, Misalliance, Pygmalion, Heartbreak House, and Saint Joan. He won multiple awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925.
Multi-award-winning Imelda Staunton plays Mrs. Kitty Warren. Her theatre work includes Hello, Dolly! (London Palladium), Talking Heads (Bridge Theatre), Follies, Life x3, The Beggar’s Opera, Guys and Dolls, A Chorus of Disapproval – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play (National Theatre), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Harold Pinter Theatre) Circle Mirror Transformation (Royal Court Theatre), Gypsy (Chichester Festival Theatre and Savoy Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Sweeney Todd (Chichester Festival Theatre and Adelphi Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), A Delicate Balance (Almeida Theatre), Entertaining Mr Sloane (Trafalgar Studios), Fairmaid of the West, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, The Wizard of Oz (RSC), The Corn is Green (The Old Vic), Uncle Vanya (Vaudeville Theatre), Into the Woods (Phoenix Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical). For television her work includes Brassic, The Crown as Elizabeth II, Talking Heads, Trying, Flesh and Blood, A Confession, That Day We Sang, The Girl, Psychoville, Cranford Chronicles, Up The Garden Path, My Family and Other Animals, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Fingersmith, Strange, Family Business, Cambridge Spies, Easy Money and The Singing Detective. Film includes Paddington in Peru, Downton Abbey: A New Era, Downton Abbey: The Movie, Amulet, Finding Your Feet, Pride (British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actress), Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Maleficent, The Awakening, Another Year, Paddington 1 and 2, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Taking Woodstock, A Bunch of Amateurs, Freedom Writers, Vera Drake (BAFTA, British Independent Film Awards, Evening Standard Film Awards, London Critics’ Circle Award, Los Angeles Film Critics’ Association Award, New York Film Critics’ Circle Award for Best Actress; SAG, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations), Nanny McPhee, Bright Young Things, Shakespeare in Love, Much Ado About Nothing, Sense and Sensibility, Peter’s Friends.
Bessie Carter plays Vivie Warren. Her theatre work includes Dear Octopus (National Theatre), All My Sons, King Lear (The Old Vic), and Baskerville (Liverpool Playhouse). For television, her work includes Outrageous, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story,Bridgerton (series regular Prudence Featherington), I Hate Suzie, Beecham House, Doc Martin, Howard’s End, Cranford and Trevor Island; and for film, Les Misérables. Carter was winner of the Spotlight Prize in 2016.
Evoto
Kevin Doyle plays Rev. Samuel Gardner. His theatre credits include Pressure (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh), Tartuffe, The White Guard, Mutabilitie (National Theatre), Fanny and Alexander (The Old Vic), This House (Chichester Festival Theatre, Garrick Theatre) NSFW, The Spur of the Moment (Royal Court Theatre), One for the Road/Victoria Station (Young Vic), For King and Country (UK tour), Three in the Back, Two in Head, The Mob, A Hole in the Top of the World (Orange Tree Theatre), Henry V, Coriolanus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Artistes and Admires, Romeo and Juliet, A Woman Killed with Kindness, Henry IV Parts I and II, Kissing the Pope, Twelfth Night, The Plantagenets, The Plain Dealer (RSC), The Crucible (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Much Ado About Nothing (UK tour, Queen’s Theatre), Hamlet (Haworth Shakespeare Festival, New Jersey), Thérèse Raquin (Chichester Minerva Studio) and Othello (Bristol Old Vic). His television credits include The Hack, Riot Women,Ridley, Vera, Sherwood, The Witcher, Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Death in Paradise, Doc Martin, Paranoid, Happy Valley, Downton Abbey, A.D Beyond The Bible, The Crimson Field, Snodgrass, Open Doors, The Accused, New Tricks, Room at the Top, Scott & Bailey, Vexed, Survivors, Five Days, Paradox, Silent Witness, The Tudors, Til’ We Die and Drop Dead Gorgeous; and for film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, Downton Abbey: The Movie, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Good, The Libertine and the upcoming Downton Abbey 3.
Robert Glenister plays Sir George Crofts. His theatre credits include The Seagull, Moonlight/Night School (Harold Pinter Theatre), Alys Always (Bridge Theatre), Glengarry Glen Ross (Playhouse Theatre), Great Britain, Never So Good, Blue Remembered Hills, Ting Tang Mine, Fathers and Sons, Brighton Bach Memoirs (National Theatre), The Late Middle Classes (Donmar Warehouse), Hedda Gabler (Theatre Royal Bath), The Winterling (Royal Court Theatre), Uncle Vanya, An Ideal Husband, The Idiot, The Voysey Inheritance (Royal Exchange); Measure for Measure, The Tempest, The Spanish Tragedy, Little Eyolf (RSC), According to Hoyle (Hampstead Theatre), The Duchess of Malfi (Greenwich Theatre), Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Sheffield Theatres). His television credits include Still Waters, Here We Go, The Death of Bunny Munro, The Night Caller, Suspicion, Sherwood, Grace, Isolation Stories, Lethal White, Doctor Who, Curfew, Cold Feet, Paranoid, The Musketeers, Code of a Killer, Close to the Enemy, Vera, The Great Train Robbery, Miss Marple, The Café, We’ll Take Manhattan, Hustle, Appropriate Adult, Moving On: Skin Deep, Spooks, Warriors: Spartacus, Eroica, Between the Sheets, Roger Roger, A Touch of Frost, My Fragile Heart, Bramwell, Prime Suspect, Persuasion, Landing on the Sun, Only Fools and Horses, Boon, Kinsey, Soldier Soldier and Sink or Swim; and for film, Villain, The Aeronauts, Journey’s End, Live by Night, Cryptic, Creation, Laissez Passer, The Visitors, All Forgotten, Secret Rapture and Quadrophenia.
Reuben Joseph plays Frank Gardner. His theatre credits include A View from the Bridge (Tron Theatre, Glasgow), The Outrun (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh), Macbeth (RSC), Hamilton (Victoria Palace), The Tragedy of Macbeth (Almeida Theatre), Orphans, Rapunzel; The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil; Midsummer (National Theatre of Scotland), Sinbad (Perth Theatre), How Not to Drown (Theatre Royal Stratford East), Anything That Gives Off Light (National Theatre of Scotland, The TEAM) and A Christmas Carol (Citizens Theatre).His television credits include Vigil, Traces and Crime.
Sid Sagar plays Mr Praed. His theatre credits include Ballet Shoes, The Father and the Assassin (National Theatre), Cabaret (Playhouse Theatre), The Crucible, hang (Sheffield Theatres), The Starry Messenger (Wyndham’s Theatre), The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage, Julius Caesar (Bridge Theatre), Queen Anne (RSC at Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Invisible Hand, White Teeth (Kiln Theatre), The Tempest, Cymbeline, The Oresteia, Eternal Love (also for ETT), The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare’s Globe), Treasure (Finborough Theatre), The History Boys (UK tour) and True Brits (Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Bush Theatre). His television credits include Big Mood, Best Interests, Slow Horses, The Capture, CBeebies: As You Like It, CBeebies: Twelfth Night, Anatomy of a Scandal, A Discovery of Witches, Unprecedented, Silent Witness, Wild Bill, Press, The Hollow Crown and The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies; and for film, The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde, The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford, The Batman, Cruella, Belfast, Death on the Nile, Dolittle, Ready Player One and Murder on the Orient Express. As a writer, theatreincludes Biting Point (Hull, UK tour) and filmincludes Baked Beans.
Dominic Cooke is a highly accomplished theatre, film, and television director. He was Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure at the Royal Court he directed Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris (also West End, Sonia Friedman Productions) for which he was nominated as Best Director for the Evening Standard Awards. He has directed Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,Here We Go and The Comedy Of Errors for the National Theatre, and The Crucible for the RSC for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Director. His critically acclaimed production of Follies was nominated for 10 Olivier awards, including Best Director – and most recently directed Hello Dolly! at the London Palladium. Also a writer, he wrote the stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses, which he directed and produced at the RSC; and an adaptation of Arabian Nights for Young Vic. Cooke has successfully transitioned to television and film, beginning with his adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry VI Parts 1 and 2 for BBC TV’s The Hollow Crown: The Wars of The Roses. His first feature film, On Chesil Beach, starred Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle – the film is based on the novel of the same name by Booker Prize winning novelist Ian McEwan, and premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was chosen by Variety as one of the ten best films of the festival. His latest feature The Courier with Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel Brosnahan premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released in 2021.
