Little Dancer: New Musical to Make Its West End Premiere in 2027
A new musical inspired by one of the most famous sculptures in the history of art, Little Dancer, will make its fully staged West End premiere at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in February 2027.
The strictly limited six-week season will run from 15 February to 27 March 2027, following earlier concert presentations of the musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The production will have its press night on 18 February and is scheduled to embark on a world tour following its London engagement.
At the heart of the musical is Marie van Goethem, the young Parisian ballerina who became the model for Edgar Degas' celebrated sculpture Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. The musical explores Marie's ambitions, her difficult circumstances and her relationship with the artist who would immortalise her.
Set against the glittering yet dangerous world of Belle Époque Paris, Little Dancer explores the intersection of art, ambition and identity, asking whether we shape our own destiny or whether destiny shapes us. Marie is portrayed as a talented young woman determined to escape the limitations imposed on her by poverty and circumstance.
Tiler Peck Leads the Cast
The production stars Tiler Peck, Emmy Award-winner, Olivier Award nominee and principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, as Young Marie. Peck, who has also attracted international attention through her appearance in the Prime Video series Étoile, is currently scheduled to perform through 20 March 2027.
Joining her are Julian Ovenden as celebrated French artist Edgar Degas, Laura Pitt-Pulford as Adult Marie and Josefina Gabrielle as Martine.
The production combines musical theatre and ballet, with Peck's celebrated dance career making her particularly suited to the demanding central role. Further casting is expected to be announced.
Award-Winning Creative Team
Little Dancer features a heavyweight creative team led by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning collaborators behind musicals including Ragtime, Once on This Island and Anastasia. Ahrens provides the book and lyrics, with Flaherty composing the music.
The production is directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, the five-time Tony and Olivier Award-winning director and choreographer whose credits include The Producers, Crazy for You, Oklahoma! and Smash.
The creative team also includes Beowulf Boritt (set design), William Ivey Long (costume design), Ken Billington (lighting), Kai Harada (sound), Benjamin Pearcy (projection design), and Doug Besterman and Larry Hochman (orchestrations). Sam Davis serves as music supervisor and dance arranger.
With its combination of ballet, musical theatre and the story behind one of Degas' most recognisable works, Little Dancer promises to bring a distinctive new production to the West End in 2027.
Little Dancer plays the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 15 February to 27 March 2027, with tickets currently available from £25. The production is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over.
