Orfeh and Jess Folley to Sparkle in ‘Burlesque: The Musical’ at the Savoy

Orfeh and Jess Folley will lead Burlesque The Musical into the West End spotlight this summer, as the stage adaptation of the 2010 screen favourite settles in for an eight-week engagement at the Savoy Theatre from 10 July to 6 September 2025.

The casting pairs Broadway powerhouse and Tony nominee Orfeh with newcomer Jess Folley. Folley, who originated the role of aspiring singer Ali during the show’s out-of-town try-outs, reprises the part created on film by Christina Aguilera, while Orfeh makes her West End debut as nightclub matriarch Tess, the character immortalised by Cher. Additional principal roles go to Olivier Award-winner George Maguire (Vince), Paul Jacob French (Jackson) and rising talent Asha Parker Wallace (Nikki).

YouTube star Todrick Hall doubles as director and choreographer and will also appear onstage as Sean, the club’s stage manager. Returning writer Steven Antin adapts his original screenplay for the stage, with extra material from Kate Wetherhead.

Fans of the film can expect signature numbers such as “Welcome to Burlesque,” “Express” and the Golden Globe-winning “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me,” penned by Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren. New songs by Hall and Folley expand the score, and the plot now positions Ali’s search for stardom—and her estranged mother—in New York City rather than Los Angeles.

The West End transfer follows record-breaking preview runs in Manchester and Glasgow, with a gala night set for 22 July. Tickets are on sale now through the Savoy Theatre box office and authorised retailers.

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