Burlesque the Musical
Woking Theatre
until 7th November
This is the stage musical, written by Steven Antin, and based on the hit movie which starred Christina Aguilera and Cher. It invites you to a club like no other: a hidden world beneath the city lights of New York where sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers and lives can change in the flick of a feather boa.
When Ali arrives in New York searching for the mother she never knew, she stumbles upon a dazzling underground scene alive with music, movement, and mystery. Drawn into this intoxicating world, she begins to uncover her extraordinary voice — and finds an unexpected family of dreamers, misfits and schemers who will change her life forever.
Macy Dermody Blythe takes on the role of Ali, and she seizes this opportunity with gusto. She has a very powerful voice and makes good use of it. Faye Brooks has the invidious task of playing the role of Tess, the hard-headed businesswoman desperately trying to keep her business afloat and making very few friends in the process. It’s also the role that Cher played in the film – big boots to fill but Brooks does a good job of it. There are times we don’t like the character of Tess at all, but we know that by the end of the show everything will have turned around, and we will see the more human and likeable side of her.
They are ably supported by Ryan Carter, Vanessa Ella Young, Tyler Davis, Davide Fienauri and Emma Lloyd who play their fellow workers at the Burlesque Club and their love interests.
Not many songs survive from the film but are replaced by similar in style rock ballads that are belted out for all they are worth. One song that does survive is You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me by Diane Warren which Brooks puts her heart and soul into the performing of.
The production values of this show are good, much better than for many touring productions and there is always something bright and flashy to look at – though be warned there are a lot of flashing and strobe lights used which at times can be overpowering and triggering.
The first half of the show is very long, and I found myself wondering if they were going straight through without an interval, but they didn’t. They second half is much shorter and has a lot more story to tell.
Clearly aimed at the market who like the West End musical version of Moulin Rouge this show will appeal to those that like jukebox/rock musicals and productions that include plenty of scantily dressed showgirls and bare-chested male dancers.
This is a fun night out at the theatre but doesn’t really offer anything new or anything we haven’t seen many times before.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Mike Linane
Cast
Faye Brookes stars as Tess Richarde,
Gracie O’Brien as Ali Rose, seen on Review Night Macy Dermody Blythe (Queenie & cover Nikki/Ali)
Ryan Carter as Sean and Ms Loretta,
Davide Fienauri as Vince,
Tyler Davis as Jackson
Vanessa Ela Young as Nikki.
Macy Dermody Blythe (Queenie & cover Nikki/Ali) seen on review night – Emma Lloyd
Freya Baddeley (Peaches/ensemble/cover Daphne & Queenie)
Kizzi Pink Simpson (Pearl/ensemble/cover Daphne)
Leah Pugh (Daphne)
Keith Alexander (Dash/Ensemble)
Owen Stringer (Joe/Trucker/cover Vince)
Darnell Mathew-James (Trey/Chardonnay/ensemble/cover Sean)
Cecilia Petrush (Alternate Ali).