Every now and then, you see a show that’s not just fantastic but so electric it sets the whole place on fire, and the gala night of Burlesque at Manchester Opera House is that once-in-a-decade show. Burlesque in the 2020s will be what Hamilton was in the 2010s and Wicked to the 2010s. Now, I adore the theatre and can only pinpoint 1 or 2 that I didn’t love, but Burleseque feel different league and here’s why…
What You Will Find Here
Review, Burlesque At The Manchester Opera House
Burlesque is a new show written by Steven Antin, with additional material by Kate Wetherhead, and directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, with songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia, and Diane Warren, as well as additional songs by cast stars Jess Folley and Todrick Hall.
Based on the Movie released in 2010, directed by Steven Antin. The movie stars Christina Aguilera in her film debut alongside Cher, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, Cam Gigandet, Eric Dane, and Alan Cumming. Known for its spectacular musical numbers, glamorous costumes, and star-studded cast, “Burlesque” is a vibrant tribute to the art of burlesque performance.
About Burlesque The Show?
When Ali (Jess Folley), a small-town girl, moves to New York in search of her estranged birth mother. She finds herself at The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but struggling theatre that hosts burlesque performances. Tess (Jackie Burns), the club’s owner and headliner, is battling to keep the club afloat with her long-term friend Sean (Todrick Hall).
Ali meets Jackson (Michael Mather) and lands a job as a cocktail waitress, but soon impresses Tess and the club’s staff with her incredible singing talent. With her powerful voice and natural stage presence, Ali becomes the star attraction, helping to revitalise the club and attracting a new wave of visitors, to the dislike of club starlet Nikki (Nina Ann Nelson). After several attempts, she becomes unable to tell friends, loved ones, and her birth mother who she is. But how will they deal with this life-changing news?
My Review of Burlesque
Burlesque explodes onto the stage and into people’s hearts as soon as the curtain rises. The first track feels like the finale, and it builds from there, getting more explosive by the minute. Before you know it, it’s the interval, but you aren’t ready. You want more.
The whole cast is phenomenal, with a star-studded, super, talented team of principals who shine so bright, yet not one outshines the other. Each brings a different explosive element that becomes the perfect storm, supported by a stunningly talented ensemble. You leave feeling like you do not want it to end; the audience went wild, and the feeling was replicated throughout.
Everything about the production is electric; it’s the best set I have seen in a long time. It all feels so new, and now, with moving backdrops and foregrounds, you do not know whether to look at the cast or what’s going on around them.
Where Can You See Burlesque
If you love theatre, you must go; I felt like I was watching history unfold right there.
You Can See Burlesque At The Opera House in Manchester, but be quick, it’s selling out.
- Thu 13 Jun – Sat 29 Jun 2024
- Thu 3 Oct – Sat 2 Nov 2024
Please note I was gifted the tickets in turn for a review, opinions are all my own.
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