Burlesque the Musical has cancelled its performances at Sunderland Empire for Tuesday 18 August, Wednesday 19 August and Thursday 20 August. The cancellations follow a series of delays and disruptions that have plagued the show's run in the city.
Cast illness forces cancellations
A statement issued on Sunderland Empire's social media, signed by the production, said: "Unfortunately, performances of Burlesque The musical are cancelled tonight, Tue 18 Aug, Wed 19 Aug and Thu 20 Aug."
The statement added: "This is due to several principal cast members falling ill to a virus. We are bolstering the company with additional covers who have performed in the show previously to ensure we open on Friday."
Customers affected will be contacted via email regarding next steps, the statement said, adding: "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused."
Earlier disruptions and ticketing changes
The latest cancellations come after Monday's performance was called off due to cast illness. The official opening night had also been cancelled due to "technical difficulties", following the opening being delayed by a week.
Yesterday's performance was cancelled with just over an hour's notice. A statement posted on Sunderland Empire's social channels read: "Unfortunately this evening's performance of Burlesque is cancelled as several members of the cast have fallen ill today."
The Sunderland Empire's official ticketing site, ATG, now only lists tickets for Friday 21 August and Saturday 22 August.
About the musical
Based on the 2010 film starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, the stage show features tracks from the film including Express and Show Me How You Burlesque, alongside new music from Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall and the show's original lead star, Jess Folley.
It made its debut in Manchester in 2024, before moving to Scotland for a limited run in Glasgow and then playing at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End last year. The current cancellations cast doubt over the Sunderland run of the production, with many audience members disappointed.
