Sheffield’s Lyceum sparkles with dazzling ‘Burlesque’ revival
Sheffield's Lyceum is transformed into a glittering world of song and dance with the lavish production of 'Burlesque'. Expect sequins, feathers, and show-stopping numbers!
On one side of Tudor Square, Shakespeare was holding court at the Crucible with Twelfth Night. On the other, the Lyceum was preparing for an evening of sequins, feathers and show-stopping musical numbers. Sheffield theatre-goers could hardly have a more contrasting choice.
“Ladies, gentlemen and they/thems,” came the welcome. Sean, played by Ryan Carter, immediately set the tone as playful and inclusive as he greeted the audience in gold sequins.
When Ali heads to New York in search of her mother, she finds herself drawn into a dazzling underground world where the beat of the music and the heat of the dance moves will change her life forever. Ali will unwittingly find her extraordinary voice and a most unlikely family of misfits, dreamers, and schemers.
I was surprised tickets were a little more expensive than I had expected, but it quickly became obvious where the money had gone. This is a production that feels lavish. Lights frame the stage, costumes change at an almost dizzying speed and include an impressive volume of feathers and glitter.
I counted around 30 musical numbers. There’s barely time for the cast to catch their breath and always something new and exciting for us to marvel at.
Dirty Martini was my favourite song of the night. Peaches and Pearl, played by Freya Baddeley and Kizzi Pink Simpson, bore glittering olive-inspired costumes. Part of the evening explores the history of burlesque itself, giving some context to an art that can easily by reduced to corsets and glamour. They dispelled some of the common misconceptions and it added another layer to show that otherwise revels, quite happily, in spectacle.
The additional platform built over the Lyceum stage allows for a striking border of lights. It did come with a small drawback as props and scenery were often visible waiting in the wings from my seat. A little of the theatrical magic was stolen but the production still packs an impressive punch.
I will admit that I expected a younger crowd and was surprised that the audience was noticeably older than other performances I’ve seen recently. By the end it made sense, burlesque may be glitzy and contemporary in presentation but it draws on a much longer tradition.
The show runs until Saturday, October 31.