The touring UK production of "Burlesque the Musical" has cancelled four more performances this week at Sunderland Empire, reportedly due to illness among principal cast members, extending a run of disruption that has plagued the show since its planned July launch. Production partner ATG Entertainment has said it is "working closely" with the show's producers to ensure the tour continues, confirming that after its remaining weekend performances in Sunderland it will transfer to the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, with dates running through to May 2027.

The musical, based on the 2010 film starring Christina Aguilera, Cher and Stanley Tucci, was originally due to open in Woking in July but that leg was scrapped over technical issues, with sets reportedly failing to arrive in time. A rescheduled opening in Sunderland was pushed back twice before the show finally began, 30 minutes late, on 14 August. Just days later, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's performances this week were cancelled at short notice because of a virus affecting several principal cast members, with the venue saying understudies are being brought in to ensure the show reopens on Friday. The production stars Fay Brookes, Gracie O'Brien and Ryan Carter in the roles originated on screen by Cher, Aguilera and Tucci respectively.