The upcoming tour of Burlesque The Musical has descended into chaos after its opening night was cancelled for a third time.

The show is based on the 2010 film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, and made its debut in Manchester in 2024, before moving up to Scotland for a limited run in Glasgow and then opening in London's West End last year. 

A tour, which starred Coronation Street's Faye Brookes as Tess Richarde, was due to open in Woking last month, but has been hit by a string of technical issues, meaning this stop on the tour was shelved.

The Sunderland Empire was scheduled to be the first night on August 6, but this was pushed back to August 13.

On Thursday, a post on the theatre's social media channels announced that the opening night had been cancelled once again, and blamed 'technical requirements' of the production. 

They said: 'The producers of Burlesque are sorry to announce, that due to technical difficulties, tonight's performance cannot go ahead.

'The team behind the show is working hard to resolve issues and anticipates Burlesque will open on Friday, August 14. Customers affected by the cancellation will be notified by email about the next steps.'

After its Woking shows were postponed, Burlesque producers announced that its London run at The Arts at Marble Arch would also be delayed until 2027. 

At the time, producers said that the delays were 'a strategic decision designed to ensure the production returns to London exactly as we want it to'.

Burlesque began its run at London's Savoy Theatre last year, with Christina herself in attendance for the show's gala performance.

However, prior to the opening night, performers union Equity stated they are 'engaging with both members and the producers' of the stage production of over 'a number of issues.'

It came after a report in The Stage stated that the issues related to 'working hours and conditions, as well as problems with costumes that were not ready when performances began.

A spokesperson for the union said: 'Equity is engaging with both members and the producers over a number of issues that have been raised with us. 

'Our West End official is in close contact with members, and members can seek further support by contacting Equity direct, as needed.'

However, a spokesperson for the production said Equity never raised any issues with the show's producers. 

Todrick Hall, the show's former choreographer and director, also left the musical this year after the tour was postponed but claims he is owed more than £100,000 in unpaid royalties.

One worker on the show also told The Sunday Times that they became unwell due to the stress of appearing in the show, and claimed staff were 'exhausted.' 

The actor said: 'It's a shame because there's so much talent involved.'

Todrick, who played Sean in Burlesque's West End production, has claimed he was left 'sleep deprived, anxiety ridden… traumatised and stressed.'

He added: 'I haven't been paid a cent of the substantial royalties I am owed from the show.'

A spokesperson for the show said: 'Todrick has no reason to complain about us. We have treated him with respect and generosity. He has already been paid handsomely and in full [for] his director fee and as a performer.'

They added that he had received a 'substantial advance against his music royalties and will be paid the balance when terms have been agreed'.

In response to Hall's claims, producer Steven Antin said: 'I have always respected Todrick as an artist, and I supported him in every way I could, including personally and financially… 

'My energy is focused on Burlesque and the extraordinary cast, creatives, investors, and partners who are working tirelessly to make it a success. I wish Todrick well with his own projects.'