Burlesque at the Savoy Theatre

Burlesque at the Savoy Theatre | Theatre review

13^th August 2025

13 August 2025

There are two types of theatre. There’s the type that stands the test of time and ends up being studied by students in school. Then there’s the type of theatre that appeals to the lowest common denominator but still manages to offer a rip-roaring good time. Burlesque is firmly in the latter category; Les Mis this ain’t, but it does offer audiences a lacy, sequinned, full-throated night of pure entertainment.

The story is painfully soapy: small-town girl Ali Rose leaves the backwaters of Idaho to head to New York, hoping to find the biological mother she’s never known. That mother turns out to be the fearsome Tess, who just happens to also be the proprietress of an old-school burlesque club. Finding her new home at the club, Ali Rose makes friends (and foes) while exploring a newfound confidence in the spotlight. Just incidentally, she does a lot of this in towering high heels and lung-busting corsetry.

The narrative of the show is its weakest part; it’s melodramatic, uninspired and at times downright confusing. It’s derivative of some musical theatre classics without carrying the same weight – there’s plenty borrowed from Cabaret and La Cage Aux Folles, and one of the characters even quotes Chicago with a knowing wink.

But nobody is coming to Burlesque for the storytelling; they’re here for – spoiler alert – the burlesque. Director (and writer, and choreographer) Todrick Hall’s production delivers in spades. The club numbers are a brilliant spectacle, with Hall’s fantastic choreography seeing the full ensemble prance, high-kick and leap their way across the stage. The luscious New York burlesque club is perfectly created on stage with the sumptuous set design and lavish costumes. It’s not just the to-be-expected lacy corsets; there are also feathery fans, pearl-encrusted bodysuits and coquettish sheer gowns. It’s gorgeous and sexy (and that’s not just the girls’ outfits!)

The cast are musically fantastic, clearly delighting in the audience’s joy as they belt out hit after hit. Orfeh offers a brilliant huskiness as mother hen Tess, while Charlotte Jaconelli lends operatic grandeur to her relatively small role. The real standout, though, is Jess Folley in the lead role of Ali Rose. Folley co-wrote the music and lyrics (along with Hall and legendary songstresses Sia, Diane Warren and Christina Aguilera), and she’s got real star power, with a truly stellar set of pipes. She also lends Ali Rose a wonderfully physical comedic energy, matched only by Hall in his brilliantly campy turn as Tess’s confidante and business partner Sean.

Burlesque is not going to blow you away with a scintillating script or fresh new characters. But if you’re looking for a spectacular, sexy show with some great pop numbers, Burlesque offers a pretty fun night out.

★★★★★

Maggie O’Shea
Photos: Betty Zapata

Burlesque is at Savoy Theatre until 6^th September 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.