REVIEW: BURLESQUE @ WOKING THEATRE

🎭 Burlesque

📍 Woking Theatre, The Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ

🗓 Tuesday 23rd November 2026

⭐️ 4 Stars

GLITZ, GLAMOUR, AND SERIOUSLY SEXY

Last night, I crossed the border into Surrey and headed to Woking to finally catch BURLESQUE on its UK tour. Now, anyone who knows me knows I absolutely adore the 2010 movie, and having managed to miss the show completely during its West End run, it’s safe to say I was practically bursting with anticipation to experience this world live on stage.

For the most part, it did not disappoint. For starters, the book actually makes some really welcome changes to the movie's plot. While the film can feel a bit like a succession of music videos loosely tied together, the stage show actually tries to flesh out the narrative, shifting things around so the stakes feel a bit more grounded. No spoilers, but there's an intriguing plot around the relationship between Ali and Tess. It’s still the classic "small-town girl makes it big in a failing club" story, but it has a bit more theatrical meat on its bones.

And then, of course, there’s that soundtrack. Hearing those iconic tracks like Welcome to Burlesque, Wagon Wheel Watusi, and Show Me How You Burlesque blasted out by a live theatre band is pure, unadulterated joy. They've woven the movie's hits seamlessly with a bunch of fantastic new numbers that feel right at home in this glittery, sequined world.

If you follow my reviews, you’ll also know that I am a massive cheerleader for covers and alternates in this industry. So, I was absolutely delighted when it was announced that the leading role of Ali was to be played last night by the phenomenal Macy Dermody Blythe. Honestly, what a star. Her interpretation of Ali was so fiercely confident yet wonderfully endearing. And those vocals? Absolute filth. She was hitting riffs that left me breathless. If you closed your eyes for a second, you’d be forgiven for thinking Christina Aguilera herself had strutted onto the Woking stage.

Her chemistry with Tyler Davis, who plays the brooding bartender / musician Jack, was electric. Davis brings a gorgeous, soulful vulnerability to Jack, and when the two of them share the stage, you can practically see the sparks flying.

Taking on the role of Tess is no mean feat either. It takes some serious guts to step into a character so inextricably linked to an icon like Cher, but Faye Brookes completely pulls it off. She doesn’t try to do a cheap impression. Instead, she commands the stage with a maternal grit and a powerhouse voice that completely makes the role her own.

A quick shoutout must also go to Vanessa Ela Young, who is brilliantly catty and watchable as the resentful Nikki, and Davide Fienauri as the sleazy Vince. My only real gripe with Vince's character is that the creatives have turned him into a bit of a cartoonish Disney villain, which lacks a bit of nuance, but Fienauri plays the hand he's dealt with delicious relish.

I always live for a strong ensemble, and this lot are second to none. The choreography in this show is exceptionally slick, modern, and demanding, and their execution of it was absolutely flawless. I have to give a special nod to Darnell Matthew-Jones, who possesses the kind of magnetic stage presence where you just find your eyes constantly drawn to him whenever he’s on stage.

But while the entire cast is undeniably top-tier, my absolute standout performance of the night came from the brilliant Ryan Carter as Sean. I’ve seen Carter in a few productions previously, and the man is an absolute chameleon and an incredible performer. Here, he is just magnificent - serving a performance that is equal parts effortlessly sexy and wonderfully sassy. His vocals are just insane, raising the roof every single time he opens his mouth.

Visually, the production is a feast, heavily aided by some incredibly impressive, high-octane lighting design that frames the dance numbers beautifully and makes the whole evening feel like a high-end concert experience - even if the follow spots seemed to be constantly chasing the cast around the stage! I also loved the clever staging choice to treat us to mini-burlesque performances during the scene transitions, keeping the energy in the room alive even while sets were moving.

So, why not five stars? Well, as much as I had a fabulous time, I can't quite justify the top rating because the script itself still feels quite flawed. While I enjoyed the conceptual changes to the storyline, there are times - especially during the first act - where the book scenes get a bit bogged down and the momentum starts to drag between the big musical numbers. Furthermore, the resolution in Act 2 comes around far too quickly. After building up all this dramatic tension, the ending wraps up in a flash without fully tying up its loose ends - most notably, we never really get a satisfying payoff regarding what actually happens with Vince and his shares in the club.

That being said, it is still an incredibly glamorous, fiercely talented, and wildly entertaining night out. Performances continue at Woking Theatre until Saturday 7th November. CLICK HERE to learn more and to book tickets.

The tour is strutting across the UK until May 2027. CLICK HERE to head to the show's official website to find all the tour dates.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Burlesque was gifted by Kevin Wilson PR, who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST:

Macy Dermody Blythe as Ali; Faye Brookes as Tess; Ryan Carter as Sean; Tyler Davis as Jack; Davide Fienauri as Vince; Vanessa Ela Young as Nikki; Emma Lloyd as Queenie; Darnell Matthew-James as Trey; Leah Pugh as Daphne; Freya Baddeley as Peaches; Kizzi Pink Simpson as Pearl; Owen Stringer as Joe; Keith Alexander as Dash / Ensemble; Callum Rose as Ensemble; Emily Jane Fitton as Onstage Swing

CREATIVES:

Creative Director / Writer / Producer - Steven Antin; Producer - Adam Paulden; Director - Racky Plews; Choreographers - Robin Antin and Aaron Renfree; Associate Choreographer - Xena Gusthart; Set Designer - Sara Perks; Costume and Wigs Desogner - Marco Morante; Orchestrator and Arranger - Tom Curran; Lighting Designer - Joshie Harriette; Video and Projection Designer - Duncan McLean; Sound Designer - Ben Harrison; Hair and Wigs Designer - JJ Wigs; Make-up Designer - Dominic Skinner

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hous 30 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Occasional strong language; Mature storytelling; Suggestive choreography; Characters wearing revealing risqué costumes; Scenes of a sexual nature; Partial nudity; Intense strobe lighting; Loud music

AGE GUIDELINE:

12+

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