Burlesque the Musical: A Dazzling New UK Tour — And Faye Brookes Is Leading the Charge
Burlesque the Musical arrives in Wales this season with all the sequins, swagger and powerhouse vocals you’d expect from a stage adaptation of Steven Antin’s Golden Globe‑winning film. Fresh from a 100% sold‑out, critically acclaimed West End premiere, the show is now embarking on its first-ever UK tour, led by Faye Brookes in the iconic role of Tess — the club owner originally played by Cher in the 2010 movie.
The tour opens in Woking before travelling to 24 venues across 2026–27, bringing a fresh, high-voltage reimagining of the story to audiences nationwide. Featuring songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Jess Folley, Todrick Hall and Steven Antin, the musical celebrates self-discovery, empowerment and unapologetic fabulousness.
What Burlesque the Musical Is All About
At its heart, Burlesque follows Ali Rose, a young woman searching for her long-lost mother in New York. Her journey leads her to Tess Richarde’s Burlesque Lounge — a glittering underground world of ambition, temptation, music and identity. As Ali discovers her voice, she also discovers a family she never knew she needed.
The UK tour features:
Faye Brookes as Tess Richarde
Gracie O’Brien making her professional debut as Ali Rose
Ryan Carter as Sean & Ms Loretta
A full ensemble of rising and established musical theatre talent
The creative team includes director Racky Plews, choreographers Robin Antin and Aaron Renfree, and producer/writer Steven Antin, who has been hands-on throughout rehearsals — something Faye emphasised repeatedly in our conversation.
Faye Brookes: Stepping Into Cher’s Heels — But Making Tess Her Own
When I sat down with Faye Brookes, she was warm, funny, and visibly energised by the process of bringing Tess to life. Though Tess is a role immortalised by Cher, Faye is clear: she’s not imitating — she’s reinventing.
“I’m not going to be Cher. Clearly I’m not going to be her, but I’m going to have my own version of Tess — and that is incredible.”
Working directly with Steven Antin has given the cast unusual creative freedom. Faye described a rehearsal room where the writer, producer and director were present every single day, shaping a version of Burlesque that honours the film while deepening the characters and emotional stakes.
“It’s better than the film because the layers to the characters have really been worked on… Steven is allowing us to put our stamp on it.”
She also spoke about the thrill — and surrealness — of stepping into a role once held by one of her idols:
“I put the phone down and thought, ‘Wait… I’m playing Cher.’ It didn’t hit me at first.”
Interview Highlights
(Edited for clarity and flow)
Chris Birch: For anyone who hasn’t seen the film, what is Burlesque all about?
Faye Brookes: “Tess owns the Burlesque Lounge — she’s the boss. You see a woman in charge, commanding the space. Everyone in the club has their own strengths, their own tricks, and the show plays to that. It feels like a live lounge: a bar, performers everywhere, electric energy from the moment the lights go down.”
Chris: And the story?
Faye: “There’s a real heart to it. Ali is searching for her mother and thinks she might be connected to the club. It’s about acceptance — whoever you are, wherever you’re from. It proudly represents the LGBTQ+ community. And yes, we’re in very sexy clothes! There’s something for everyone.”
Chris: Do you have a favourite line?
Faye: “There’s a monologue where Tess schools Ali on everyone who works in the club. I say: ‘You don’t save a place like this. You outlast it — in high heels, low drag, vintage Dior and a matching hat.’ I love that.”
Chris: What do you hope audiences take away?
Faye: “That it moves them — and surprises them by moving them. It’s a spectacle, but there’s real emotion underneath.”
🎟️ Book Tickets: Wales Millennium Centre
Burlesque the Musical arrives in Cardiff during Faye’s birthday week — and she’ll be celebrating on stage. Don’t miss the chance to see this glittering, high-energy production as it makes its Welsh debut.
🎧 Listen to the Full Interview
You can hear the complete conversation — including all the laughter, backstage stories and Faye’s candid reflections — at the bottom of the article page.
👉 Listen to the full interview