Burlesque – Sheffield Lyceum
Fourteen years after it debuted on screen, audiences got their first glimpse of Burlesque on stage in 2024. Now it’s Sheffield’s turn for the final week of October 2026. Whilst Burlesque promises to be big, however, it often falls short. This ‘big new musical’ is extravagant and flashes lights in your face and blasts sound into your ears but there is so little behind the curtain you’re forgiven for second guessing its credentials. Behind the bombast and frills, this is a poor musical theatre show.
I’m happy to give the production its flowers where it earned them. Faye Brookes is great as the matriarchal Tess. Ryan Carter’s Sean is brilliant, and Vanessa Ela Young is formidable as Nikki. Tyler Davis offers a particularly layered performance as Jack and Macy Dermody Blythe commits well to...
