We round up the reviews for the latest musical to hit the West End stage…
WhatsOnStage: *** “Things really do come to life during Hall’s choreo-heavy moments. Act two opener “Express”, when Ali finds her feet in the club, or Tess’ big 11 o’clock number, sufficiently bring the house down. Other stand-out passages come with the “Wagon Wheel Watusi” or “Tough Lover”, while there’s some surprisingly deft stagecraft in “Ammo”, delivered by pseudo villain Vince (a slimy George Maguire). Less successful is Aguilera’s award-nominated tune “Bound to You”, performed over a protracted and awkward sex scene that only gains power when it transforms into a sultry cabaret number.”
The Guardian: *** “It is over-adrenalised and messy in its plotting, but you forgive the blips. This is a production stuffed with personality, spectacle and wow factor. Come for the nostalgia, perhaps, but stay for the new kicks: bigger, naughtier and camp as hell.”
London Theatre.co.uk: ***** “Burlesque is already a cult classic, but this is a glow-up of the highest order. Twenty minutes could be shaved off the running time, and the resolve comes out of nowhere, but it would take industrial-strength scepticism not to fall for this glitter-ordained marvel. If this doesn’t show you how to burlesque, god knows what will.”
The Daily Mail: * “The upshot is rambling raunch, musical cliche and automated whooping. May it rest in peace.”
London Theatre Reviews: ***** “It’s rare to find a show that manages to be both a full-throttle spectacle and a genuinely feel-good experience, but Burlesque hits that sweet spot. You’ll laugh, cheer, and leave the theatre wanting to do high kicks in sequins. It’s bold, it’s brash, and it’s completely irresistible.”
Broadway World: *** “Not every musical has to try to rival Sondheim, but the length and wobbly script mean that Burlesque The Musical ends up feeling a bit meaningless. Many good musicals have paper-thin stories, but there must be compensation elsewhere. There’s nothing new or exciting to see here, but it’s an entertaining evening at the theatre. It’s not fabulous, but it’s perfectly fine.”
The Arts Desk: * ” the overall effect of this adaptation of the 2010 film of the same name is wearying in the extreme and indicative of the sea change – irreversible, I have a feeling – of a bygone musical era made up of genuine mavericks and the one we inhabit now that exists merely to crib, pastiche, reassemble. The curse of getting old as a playgoer is that one knows both what was – and what could have been.”
Theatre & Tonic: ** “Burlesque The Musical does feel like a production that has so much potential, but just isn’t quite ready for the West End, at least for those who want to see a musical that is impeccably polished and refined from its book through to the opening curtain. However, it is still a very fun evening out. The music is strong, the dancers are undeniably impressive, and the cast is bursting with talent. It’s clear the production has substantial backing in terms of budget and support. However, it might benefit from redirecting some of that time, energy, and funding toward refining the show from the ground up.”
The Independent: *** “Based on the messy source material of the 2010 movie, this show has a naked desire to give audiences what they want.”
The Stage: *** “Messy, over-extended movie musical adaptation with star turns from Jess Folley and Orfeh.”
The Telegraph: **** “Despite the rumoured chaos, this daft rift on the 2010 movie snatches victory from the jaws of defeat.”
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