Nicole Scherzinger's return to the West End has turned into a financial disaster, with producers reportedly losing a staggering £4.5 million on her revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard.
The former Pussycat Dolls star's performance as faded silent movie star Norma Desmond has failed to ignite box office sales, despite early hype surrounding the production.
Critical Reception Falls Flat
While Scherzinger's vocal prowess earned some praise, critics have been largely unimpressed with the overall production. The show's extravagant sets and lavish costumes couldn't compensate for what many reviewers called a lack of emotional depth in the lead performance.
Financial Fallout
Insiders reveal the musical's weekly running costs of approximately £500,000 proved unsustainable as ticket sales failed to meet expectations. The production's backers now face significant losses, with some investors reportedly furious about the financial outcome.
The Savoy Theatre, where the show is currently running, has seen numerous empty seats despite premium ticket prices reaching £250. Industry experts suggest the production may close earlier than planned unless audience numbers improve dramatically.
West End's Risky Business
This financial disaster serves as a cautionary tale for West End producers banking on star power alone. While Scherzinger brought name recognition, the production struggled to attract traditional theatregoers and failed to create sufficient buzz among younger audiences.
The musical's troubles come at a challenging time for London's theatreland, still recovering from pandemic-related closures and facing increased production costs across the board.
