Burlesque: The Musical, Savoy Theatre – ‘Flimsy plot but impressive singing’ ★★★

Pamela Raith[Missing Credit]

If there is a point to the show, which is adapted from the 2010 film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera as Tess and Ali respectively, it is to repair the entertainment’s seemingly unfairly tarnished reputation. And to be fair, the mid-week post-press-night performance I went to was getting plenty of support in that mission from an audience who embraces the message of burlesque being a kind of refuge for those who do not fit into societal norms. Well, that and the sexually charged dancing and impressive power singing.

This is no mean achievement given that the creative list is a dog’s dinner of contributions. The book is written by the film’s director Steven Antin who also serves as producer. There are also no fewer than five credited music and lyric writers: Aguilera, the aforementioned Hall – who also directs – the singer-songwriter Sia, Diane Warren and the clearly talented Folley whose transformation as Ali into a savvy star of the burlesque club’s stage is total.

The plot is as flimsy as the fishnets on view and plateaus after Ali proves her talent to Tess, earning the right to be promoted from waiting tables to performing on stage. Still, the singing is excellent and the director Hall leads some excellent routines and is also an impressive dancer who moves with an economy and style that makes the muscular pneumatic males around him look laboured. Overall, fun but thin.