Burlesque the Musical cancels Sunderland performances as virus hits principal cast
The first UK tour of Burlesque the Musical has cancelled performances at Sunderland Empire through to Thursday, citing a virus that has laid low several principal cast members.
The venue issued the cancellation statement on 18 August 2026, scrubbing the show's Monday through Thursday performances and abandoning its local press night — the performance critics are invited to review — altogether. The production said it was "bolstering the company with additional covers who have performed in the show previously to ensure we open on Friday," and that the cancellations would provide time to rehearse in the new cast members. (WhatsOnStage)
It is not the first disruption to hit the tour. The production was originally slated to open at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking on 25 July before travelling to 24 venues across the UK during 2026 and 2027. Instead it opened in Sunderland, playing only three performances across Friday and Saturday before illness forced the shutdown. BroadwayWorld reported that the August 17 evening performance was also cancelled due to illness in the cast. (BroadwayWorld UK on Threads)
The Daily Mirror described the tour as "cursed" and quoted the production's statement that "several members of the cast have fallen ill today." (Daily Mirror)
Faye Brookes stars as Tess Richarde, the burlesque lounge owner originated on screen by Cher, alongside Gracie O'Brien as Ali Rose — the role played by Christina Aguilera in the 2010 film. The cast also features Ryan Carter as Sean and Ms Loretta, Davide Fienauri as Vince, Tyler Davis as Jackson, and Vanessa Ela Young as Nikki. Steven Antin, who directed the original film, serves as writer and creative director, with Racky Plews directing the stage production.
The score draws on songs by Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Jess Folley, Todrick Hall and Antin himself. Choreography is by Robin Antin and Aaron Renfree, with Xena Gusthart as associate choreographer.
The Sunderland run is due to end on Saturday 22 August. An additional tour stop at Woking Theatre has been scheduled from 3 to 7 November 2026. A separate London production of Burlesque the Musical, distinct from the touring company, has postponed its run to 2027.
For ticket-holders, the affected Sunderland performances are cancelled rather than rescheduled, with the production aiming to resume on Friday. The show's survival across 24 planned venues will depend on how quickly the bolstered company can take the stage.
