This week in theatre: a beloved jukebox prepares its final bow, a controversial film adaptation dominates stagey conversations, and an all-star Broadway line-up is set to breathe new life into Jason Robert Brown’s classic. Here’s everything you need to know from this week, on stage!

BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL OPENS AT THE SAVOY THEATRE

The headliner for this week is none-other than Burlesque, which opened on July 22nd at the Savoy Theatre. After sold-out runs in Manchester and Glasgow, Burlesque the Musical has finally launched its West End engagement, and it has dominated stagey discourse.

After some controversy and confusion surrounding a shift in the creative team (alongside some Equity disputes), this iteration of the production is directed and choreographed by Todrick Hall, who is also reprising his role as Sean. Jess Folley returns as Ali, with Tony-nominee Orfeh making her West End debut as Tess. This adaptation shifts the story from LA to New York City, altering the story significantly: it now emphasises Ali’s search for her mother. The musical blends songs from the beloved film with new numbers from Hall and Folley.

The critical reception has been unbelievably mixed, with reviews ranging from one star, all the way up to five, with the spectacle and energy being generally undisputed.

Let me know what you think of the production if you have been lucky enough to catch it!

MJ THE MUSICAL: WEST END RUN TO END IN 2026, AND TOUR ANNOUNCED

Following this exciting opening came the unfortunate news of another production leaving the city. MJ: The Musical will play its final West End performance on February 28th, 2026 at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, following a run of almost 2 years. This production won the WhatsOnStage and Olivier Awards for its choreography and has also received nominations for Best New Musical.

At once with this announcement, however, came the exciting news of a tour! Plans for a 2027 UK tour have been announced, with venues to be confirmed in due course. An international Asian tour is also set to commence in October 2026, for a provisional two-year run.

SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH A STAR-STUDDED CAST

To mark its 30th anniversary, Jason Robert Brown will be returning to London to conduct a special concert-production of Songs for a New World at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, on Sunday 21st September, 2025; two performances will take place (3pm and 7.30pm).

The cast announcement has sparked much intrigue, featuring major Broadway names: Shoshana Bean, Tituss Burgess, Jordan Fisher, and Joy Woods. This production is produced by Lambert Jackson and Positive Sum – tickets are now on sale.

That’s all for this week’s Stagey Briefing! Stay tuned for next week’s stories, and head to my socials for more content in real-time!

Image supplied by the production.