The world premiere of the musical will now take place at the Hackney Empire Theatre due to the temporary closure of the Peacock Theatre.
It has been announced that due to essential building works requiring the temporary closure of the Peacock Theatre, the originally scheduled London run of I’m Every Woman The Chaka Khan Musical will now take place at the Hackney Empire Theatre from the 20th to the 25th March.
Affected ticket holders for the Peacock Theatre will be contacted directly by Sadler’s Wells box office with details regarding refunds and available rebooking options.
After its run in London, the show will then visit the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (1 – 4 April) and the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne (7 – 11 April 2026) as planned.
Talking about the news, Producer Adrian Grant said “We were informed just several days before our sold-out engagement of I’m Every Woman that the Peacock Theatre would not be available for our scheduled opening due to essential building works. While this is clearly very disappointing, it relates solely to the venue and is entirely outside of the production’s control.
Our cast, crew and creative team are ready, and after more than three years of development in collaboration with Chaka Khan, we are incredibly proud of the show we have created.
Hackney Empire now becomes the first opportunity for London audiences to experience I’m Every Woman. We are determined to share this powerful story with the public without delay and look forward to welcoming everyone to our previews and Premiere in London, from 20 March and on tour at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, and The Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.”
Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells, said “Regrettably, Sadler’s Wells has been notified by its landlord, the LSE, that the Peacock Theatre must close temporarily for unexpected essential building works and therefore the show cannot open as planned.
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by these necessary repairs. We wish the cast, creative team and producers all the very best with their run at Hackney Empire.”
Multi-platinum recording artist and award-winning actress Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard, Curfew) will play Chaka at Hackney Empire as well as in Coventry and Eastbourne.
She is joined in the production by Jordan Frazier (Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, West End) as alternate Chaka Khan, Paige Peddie (The Lion King) as Taka Boom, Chanice Alexander-Burnett (Fantine in Les Misérables) as Tammy Michelle/Paulette McWilliams, Charlotte St Croix (standby Tina Turner in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Milini Khan/Whitney Houston, Maryla Abraham (Coming to England) as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima (Alline Bullock in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl (Lizard Boy) as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O’Garro (Kinky Boots) as Hassan Khan/Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley (The Drifters Girl) as Richard Holland/Prince, Teddy Wills (Get Up Stand Up!) as Fred Hampton/Miles Davis/Grand Master Melle Mel, Chris Breistein (An Officer and a Gentleman) as Steve Winwood, Samuel Sarpong-Broni (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Charles Stevens/Yoruba Priest/Stevie Wonder and Peter Houston (Hamilton) as Bob Monaco.
Completing the cast in the ensemble are Kayleigh Stephenson (We Will Rock You), Earl Gregory (Play On!), Vanessa Dumatey (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical), Gregory Armand (Mandela), Harry Robinson (Hamilton), Zinzile Tshuma (Thriller Live!), Oskarina O’Sullivan (Thriller Live!), Connor Wilkins, and Tarik Frimpong (A Strange Loop) who is also Resident Choreographer.
The fame, the fire, the fight – this is her story. I’m Every Woman brings to life the untold story of Chaka Khan, one of the most influential voices of our time. Unapologetically bold and deeply human, the production explores her unwavering passion for civil rights, her defiance in the face of a toxic music industry, the harrowing road through addiction, and the unrelenting pressure of being a working mother. At its core, it’s a story of resilience, purpose, and power – a celebration of the woman behind the legend.
The new musical reveals the woman behind the icon, and charts her rise to stardom. It has a book by Nia T. Hill, direction by Racky Plews, musical supervision by Mark Crossland, choreography by Ebony Clarke, set design by Sara Perks, sound design by Chris Whybrow, video design by Buckloop, lighting design by Zoe Spurr, costume design by Natalie Pryce, Hair, Wigs & Makeup design by JJ Wigs, casting by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, associate choreography by Simeon Beckett, production management by Toby P Darvill, and general management by Emily Obasohan.
To book tickets visit: https://www.imeverywomanthemusical.com/