INTERVIEW: Trailblazer Jess Folley talks ALL things Burlesque The Musical

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At just 21, Jess Folley is already a force to be reckoned with! The powerhouse vocalist first captured hearts as the winner of The Voice Kids UK, but it’s her evolution into a dynamic performer and leading lady that truly sets her apart.

Now starring as Ali in the West End’s dazzling new production Burlesque The Musical, Folley is proving she’s more than just a voice—she’s a full-fledged star. With electrifying stage presence, raw emotion, and a sound that blends pop, soul, and theatrical flair, Jess is rewriting what it means to be a modern-day triple threat.

Jess FolleyJess Folley as Ali Rose in Burlesque The Musical

In this exclusive interview, Jess opens up about stepping into Christina Aguilera’s iconic shoes, the discipline behind the sequins, and how she’s carving out a legacy on her own terms.

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Jess, congratulations on making your West End debut! You’ve just come off stage so I know you must be feeling all kinds of emotions right now, but if you can, please tell me how you’re feeling in 3 words…

Ooh, let me think! Okay, I’m going to say: overjoyed, proud and grateful!

You’ve been a part of this show for a number of years now, and received rave reviews for your performances in both Glasgow and Manchester. How does the vibe differ now you’re opening in London? 

Well, firstly I think it’s important to say I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences I had in Glasgow and Manchester. As a company we played to some amazing audiences, in two beautiful theatres, and we had to the best time. But to now be here in London, and opening at The Savoy Theatre… I mean, I can’t quite believe it – it’s the pinnacle, it’s the dream!

Christina Aguilera famously played the role of Ali in the 2010 film, and is part of the creative team for Burlesque the Musical, providing music and lyrics as well as serving as producer. What’s it been like working alongside such a revered, and respected pop icon?

In a word… unbelievable! I don’t think it will ever sink in that Christina Aguilera knows who I am (laughs). Seriously, the last 72 hours of her being here with us in London have been a whirlwind. She’s an incredible person, and she’s been so supportive. I’ve actually been sent some clips of her talking about me in interviews and I feel very, very lucky and honoured to hear her speak so highly of me. Having her approval, and blessing to take on this role was really important to me. I wanted to be respectful to her, and to everyone who was a part of the original film, because they created something really magical. And then away from the show… I mean my goodness, she was one of my idols growing up! I used to sing her songs in the kitchen with my Mum all the time (laughs). And now she knows my name? What is happening? It’s major! 

Jess Folley and Christina Aguilera attend a photocall for “Burlesque: The Musical” at The Savoy Theatre in London

Because Christina is such a huge star, and therefore her interpretation of the character is entrenched in peoples minds, not just here in London but around the world, did it feel daunting stepping into Ali’s shoes? 

So it’s interesting, because I was originally brought on board to be a composer for the show, not an actor, so it was never actually the plan for me to play Ali – which is kind of crazy to think about now! I can’t remember the exact timeline of events, but I was asked at one point if I’d like to take part in one of the early workshops, and play Ali for the week, which of course I said ‘yes’ to, and had a ball doing. And then yeah, without really knowing it, that ended up being my first audition for the role, and I was offered the part a little while after. Over the last two years both myself, and the show, have grown and evolved into the production you saw on stage tonight. 

I mean that whole scenario sounds like a movie in itself…

(Laughs) it actually does! It’s maybe not the way most people are cast, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, because what was so great about me coming into this project purely as a songwriter first, was the fact that I got to really understand Ali, and figure out who she was, and what she was about, long before I started playing her. So when I wrote “Got It All From You” – which is her big ‘I Want’ song – I was able to write it from a place of truly feeling like I knew her in the same way I would a sister or best friend. I felt, and feel very connected to her.

How did you go about making the part your own, and not a carbon copy of the Ali we see in the movie?

Honestly, I feel like there’s a lot of symmetry between the journey Ali goes on, and what’s been happening in my life of late, so in some ways it’s simply just been a case of me tapping into some of those experiences, and thinking about how I’ve felt being in similar situations to her. I also think contributing as a songwriter really helped me to put my own stamp on things in a way that I perhaps wouldn’t have been able to, had I just been involved as an actor. The lyrics I wrote, the melodies I composed all came from my heart, and they helped lay the foundations for who Ali is in this version of Burlesque, whilst of course honouring the essence of the character Christina first brought to life. 

Ali changes so much throughout the show doesn’t she?

She really does, and I love that you noticed that! It’s kind of crazy just how much she changes and transforms – sometimes it’s like I’m playing a different character in each scene, which I actually really love because it means the show never gets old or feels boring to me. At the end of the day, Ali is a young woman stepping out in the world and coming into her own, so of course we’re going to see her evolve as a character. There’s so much of her story that I relate to, because when I first started out in my career, I was really young and I didn’t quite know what I was doing or what was going on around me. So I really do identify with a lot of the Ali we see in Act 1. In fact, in the beginning everyone would always joke around and say: “Jess you really are like ‘Act 1 Ali”, and I guess I was, because I was only 19 when I first started playing her, I was a baby. Three years on, and I feel like I’ve really grown into a woman, and am more like the version of Ali we see in Act 2, which feels really nice. She’s a great character, and I love going on this journey with her night after night.

The ever changing nature of her character means you as a performer are pushed to your limit and then some! You’re doing full on choreography, cabaret, pop, power ballads, drama, comedy and of course, burlesque! Tell me about some of your favourite moments and numbers in the show…

Honestly my favourite part changes all the time! The group numbers are always so empowering, and I get such a rush performing them with the rest of the cast. “Got It All From You” is my like my baby, and so I’ll always love singing that song. “Express” and “Bound To You” in Act 2 are just out of this world amazing, nothing beats them! Ahh, I could go on and on talking about my favourites… (laughs). 

How do you get yourself physically and mentally ready to take on such a huge role night after night?

It takes a lot of self-discipline, trust me! I seriously have to be on top of my game, otherwise I don’t think I’d get through Act 1, let alone the whole show (laughs). Playing the role of Ali requires me to use all of the tools in my kit, and all of the skills I’ve learned throughout the course of my career. From the moment I arrive on stage, I don’t stop! One minute I’m doing a full split, then a group number, then a solo where I have to belt out a note at the top of my range. I have to be sassy, shy, confident, ruthless, vulnerable, and everything in between… I’m exhausted by the end of night, it’s such an emotional rollercoaster.

Burlesque The Musical | West End LIVE 2025

Theatre is unique in that no two performances are ever the same — how do you find audience reactions differ from show to show?

I think all of us on stage would agree that we’ve started to notice a pattern in terms of audiences responses, and there are definitely specific parts of the show that get the same sort of reaction night after night, which is wonderful and in a way quite comforting for us. It obviously goes without saying the songs featured in the movie are always well received – and why wouldn’t they be? They’re so iconic! But then there are some shows where you’re completely caught off guard by how an audience reacts to a particular scene or moment, and I kind of love that too, because it keeps me on my toes and helps to make things feel really fresh. I don’t want to sound too soppy or cliché, but we really have had some amazing audiences so far, and I’m really grateful to everyone who has been to see the show. 

Talk to me about the cast! Watching you all interact both on and off the stage, there’s no denying the chemistry, unity and camaraderie you share…

Honestly, our cast is made up of the most beautiful human beings! Whenever you’re doing a new show, you need to have that sense of that camaraderie you talk about, otherwise I think things would just fall apart. We’ve all really held each other tight throughout this entire process, and been there to support one another when times have been tough. I don’t think I could do any of this without them, seriously, they are the best. 

As the house lights came up, and the audience filtered out of the auditorium, were you able to take in the magnitude of a night like tonight? 

Right now, I’d say ‘no’ (laughs). Tonight has been magical – I’m honestly on cloud 9! Everything feels very surreal, and kind of like I’m dreaming, but I’m so happy. Everybody has worked so hard to get the show to the point it’s at now, and I’m really proud of everyone for how we’ve pulled together. But I think it’s going to take a minute for everything to really, properly sink in.

Finally, there’s a point in the show when you sing: “been holding back for quite some time, but finally the moment’s right”, does that lyric pretty much sum up you’re outlook now as you embark upon this next chapter?

Wow, that’s kind of crazy isn’t it? I mean yeah, I guess it does! Like everyone on that stage tonight, I’ve dedicated a lot of my life to get to where I am in my career. It’s not always been easy, and I’ve had to deal with a lot of knock backs and disappointments, but those moments only made me stronger and more determined. I’m feeling very optimistic about the future, and I can’t wait to see what happens next…

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