Cher

Burlesque

Leave a comment

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Credit: Johan Persson

Based on the iconic 2010 film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, Burlesque introduces us to Ali, a small-town girl who finds herself in the big city where life is about to get spicy, and the stakes are gonna get a whole lot higher.

This much-anticipated stage adaptation switches up elements of the film’s storylines so those looking for a faithful retelling will without doubt find something new to discover here. Some storylines and characters have been removed while others are further developed adding new dynamics to the production.

Credit: Johan Persson

We follow Ali (Jess Folley) as she leaves her home in the Midwest in search of her birth mother Tess (Jackie Burns). A stressed-out debt-ridden Burlesque club owner isn’t quite who Ali expects to find but she sticks around nonetheless as she awaits an opportunity to tell Tess the real reason she’s there. Life suddenly begins to take a dramatic turn and almost accidentally Ali becomes the star of the Burlesque show.

Taking a keen interest in Ali is Jackson (Michael Mather) the friendly bartender who has more than bourbon on his mind while there’s added depth given to Tess’ husband Vincent (George Maguire) who becomes the villain of the piece, adding an entertaining element of jeopardy as well as an opportunity for a gloriously camp male tap ensemble piece.

Credit: Johan Persson

Jess Folley is superb as Ali, her vocals are incredible, she has big shoes to fill taking on the role made famous by Christian Aguilera and she does so convincingly, while managing successfully to make the part her own. She is a true star. Her talents don’t end on stage as she also takes writing credits for several of the show’s new songs, it really feels like we’re witnessing the launch of a world-class talent here.

As Tess, Jackie Burns delivers a Broadway quality performance right here in the heart of Manchester, she has a strong chemistry with Jess Folly and the duet Got It All From You between the two is one of the most heartfelt moments in the production. Burns brings strength and sass to the role while gradually allowing her softer side to show.

Credit: Johan Persson

Ramping up the fabulous is a sensational Todrick Hall as Tess’ right-hand man and club assistant Shaun. An incredible performer who commands attention from the moment he appears on stage. His epic numbers are flawless, showcasing his extraordinary talents perfectly. His performance feels fresh, effortless and uniquely creative. A generous performer, he pitches things just right ensuring while his lead numbers pop his shared scenes are balanced and nuanced.

Special mention must also go to Nina Ann Nelson who is clearly having great fun as mean girl Nikki. While B Terry makes for a wholesome Midwest bestie, reminding us just how different life is becoming for Tess.

Credit: Johan Persson

The ensemble numbers are sensational, proving that Burlesque really is BIG. Film favourites Express and Show Me How You Burlesque whip the audience into a frenzy with Nick Winston’s sizzling choreography matching the quality of the stunning vocals perfectly. Add to this Soutra Gilmour’s lavish set design combined with Ryan Dawson Laight’s incredible costumes and Jack Knowles’ dramatic lighting and these pieces have wow factor worthy of winning awards. The additional element of Nina Dunn’s video design further takes the visuals up a notch.

Steve Antin’s book is fairly light and frothy but manages to steer away from cheesy however it’s the epic ensemble scenes that really steal the show. Some punchier dialogue in parts would bring a little more balance to the piece however judging by tonight’s audience reaction no one really came her for the convos.

Credit: Johan Persson

This incredibly talented cast go all out to deliver an exhilarating night of fierce, feel-good, fabulousness. The audience lap up the dazzling design and killer choreography with expectations of outrageous escapism fulfilled as we all head off into the Manchester night feeling a whole lot sassier than when we arrived. Burlesque will go far with the West End and Broadway surely beckoning, catch it in Manchester while you can!

Burlesque The Musical is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 29th June, it will then return from Thursday 3rd October until Saturday 2nd November tickets are available here.

The Cher Show

Leave a comment

Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m not sure what I was expecting from “The Cher Show”; but it certainly wasn’t what I got. I have never ever considered myself to be a fan of Cher’s music, but what I learned tonight is that my entire life has been punctuated by Cher songs. You do not realise just how many Cher songs you know until you hear approximately 35 of them and you know every single one. 

The success of this show is the clever use of the three versions of Cher: Star (Debbie Kurup), Lady (Danielle Steers) and Babe (Millie O’Connell). These characters share with us the life story of this incredibly courageous and successful woman – The legend that is Cher.

They take us on a journey together, each representing a different period of Chers life, romantically, professionally, musically and stylistically. But these women are not karaoke versions or impersonators of Cher: yes they each use Cher’s well known mannerisms, such as the hair flick and the sway, but each of them showcase their own talent in their performances, and their talent is MIGHTY.

You cannot compare them to each other, they each stand out for their performances in equal measure. The script, the choreography and the costumes for each are perfection. Each performer supports the other and together they are magical.

The whole cast is spectacular – when Lucas Rush sang his first note as Sonny I was left speechless, his comic timing and chemistry with all three versions of Cher was marvellous. Tori Scott as Cher’s mother was kind, funny and engaging. Special mention to Jake Mitchell as fashion designer Bob Mackie, an all-round performer who the audience loved! I’m embarrassed to say that I had no ideas that Sam Ferriday played as many roles as he did until the curtain call when only one of his characters appeared – four characters played in one production so sleekly is a triumph.

The whole production is intelligent and original. Tom Rogers set design is simple, but powerful. The use of the ensemble to guide us through the eras worked really well. Wigs, hair, make up and costume are all outstanding, everything was flawless. I’m sure Cher herself will be putting in a special request to have some of the outfits flown out to her.

The audience were informed at the beginning of the show that the singing should be left to the cast until the finale – most took this on board, but some just couldn’t help themselves, even I had to hold back when “strong enough” came on!

And then we had the finale – and what a finale it was. It was hands down the finale of all finales, and Manchester lapped it up. Everyone was up on their feet, there was dancing in the aisles, singing along and cheering for the cast and the wonderful orchestration.


Arlene Phillips, Rick Elise and Oti Mabuse have created something magical here, something that will delight audiences again and again and perhaps just give us all a little bit of Cher in our lives when we need it most.

A special little mention to the proud husband of Debbie Kurup, who was sitting behind us, his knowledge of Chers music during the interval was incredible and much appreciated for this Cher convert!

The Cher Show is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 21st May, tickets available here.