I’M EVERY WOMAN THE MUSICAL will now open at Hackney Empire
Due to unforeseen emergency building works at the Peacock Theatre, the venue is temporarily closed and the London run of I’m Every Woman The Musical has been rescheduled.
The show will now make its London Premiere with a limited engagement at Hackney Empire from 20 – 25 March.
Affected ticket holders for the Peacock Theatre will be contacted directly by Sadler’s Wells box office with details regarding refunds and available rebooking options.
Tickets go on general sale from 11am on 5 March at hackneyempire.co.uk.
The production will then continue its previously announced tour dates at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (1 – 4 April) and the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne (7 – 11 April 2026) as planned.
A statement from Producer Adrian Grant said:
“We were informed just several days before our sold-out engagement of I’m Every Woman that the Peacock Theatre would not be available for our scheduled opening due to essential building works. While this is clearly very disappointing, it relates solely to the venue and is entirely outside of the production’s control.
Our cast, crew and creative team are ready, and after more than three years of development in collaboration with Chaka Khan, we are incredibly proud of the show we have created.
Hackney Empire now becomes the first opportunity for London audiences to experience I’m Every Woman. We are determined to share this powerful story with the public without delay and look forward to welcoming everyone to our previews and Premiere in London, from 20 March and on tour at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, and The Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.”
Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells, said:
“Regrettably, Sadler’s Wells has been notified by its landlord, the LSE, that the Peacock Theatre must close temporarily for unexpected essential building works and therefore the show cannot open as planned. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by these necessary repairs. We wish the cast, creative team and producers all the very best with their run at Hackney Empire.”
Multi-platinum recording artist and award-winning actress Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard, Curfew) will play Chaka at Hackney Empire as well as in Coventry and Eastbourne.
Joining Alexandra at Hackney Empire are Jordan Frazier (Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, West End) as alternate Chaka Khan, Paige Peddie (The Lion King) as Taka Boom, Chanice Alexander-Burnett (Fantine in Les Misérables) as Tammy Michelle/Paulette McWilliams, Charlotte St Croix (standby Tina Turner in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Milini Khan/Whitney Houston, Maryla Abraham (Coming to England) as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima (Alline Bullock in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl (Lizard Boy) as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O’Garro (Kinky Boots) as Hassan Khan/Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley (The Drifters Girl) as Richard Holland/Prince, Teddy Wills (Get Up Stand Up!) as Fred Hampton/Miles Davis/Grand Master Melle Mel, Chris Breistein (An Officer and a Gentleman) as Steve Winwood, Samuel Sarpong-Broni (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Charles Stevens/Yoruba Priest/Stevie Wonder and Peter Houston (Hamilton) as Bob Monaco.
Completing the cast in the ensemble are Kayleigh Stephenson (We Will Rock You), Earl Gregory (Play On!), Vanessa Dumatey (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical), Gregory Armand (Mandela), Harry Robinson (Hamilton), Zinzile Tshuma (Thriller Live!), Oskarina O’Sullivan (Thriller Live!), Connor Wilkins, and Tarik Frimpong (A Strange Loop) who is also Resident Choreographer.
What is I’M EVERY WOMAN THE MUSICAL about?
I’M EVERY WOMAN – THE CHAKA KHAN MUSICAL is the powerful and inspiring life story of the award-winning, multi-platinum selling, global superstar herself
The new musical which reveals the woman behind the diva, and her rise to stardom has a book by Nia T. Hill, direction by Racky Plews, musical supervision by Mark Crossland, choreography by Ebony Clarke, set design by Sara Perks, sound design by Chris Whybrow , costume design by Natalie Pryce, Hair & Makeup design by JJ Wigs, casting by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, production management by Toby P Darvill, and general management by Emily Obasohan.
The fame, the fire, the fight — this is her story. I’m Every Woman: The Musical brings to life the untold story of Chaka Khan, one of the most influential voices of our time. Unapologetically bold and deeply human, the production explores her unwavering passion for civil rights, her defiance in the face of a toxic music industry, the harrowing road through addiction, and the unrelenting pressure of being a working mother. At its core, it’s a story of resilience, purpose, and power — a celebration of the woman behind the legend.
I’M EVERY WOMAN THE MUSICAL will feature Chaka Khan’s much-loved songs released as a solo artist and lead singer of the band ‘Rufus’ such as I Feel For You, Tell Me Something Good, Ain’t Nobody, Sweet Thing, Higher Love and Through The Fire. The show, which is a journey of music, love and betrayal has a book that includes an array of Chaka’s famous friends from Joni Mitchell and Prince, to Stevie Wonder and Robert Palmer.
Who is Chaka Khan?
Chaka Khan is a global music icon whose influence spans generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and storytellers. With a career defined by innovation and resilience, she has redefined the sound of pop, soul, jazz, and funk—helping to shape the contemporary music landscape into what it is today.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023, Khan is not only a trailblazer but also a symbol of strength, creativity, and longevity. She has developed a vast and loyal global fan base, having performed on six continents.
With over 100 million records sold, streamed, and downloaded worldwide, her legacy includes 10 Grammy Awards and 22 nominations—three of which she earned as a member of the groundbreaking band Rufus. Beyond her extraordinary voice, Chaka Khan is also a gifted songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actress, humanitarian, activist, mother, and grandmother.
Who is Alexandra Burke?
Alexandra Burke is truly one of the UK’s most distinguishable powerhouse voices, having sold over 5 million records in the UK. Her number 1 chart-toppers include million-selling Bad Boys, Start Without You and two million-selling Hallelujah. Her double-platinum selling debut album Overcome has sold over 870,000 copies. Alexandra can be seen on Paramount+ starring in the six-part crime-drama series Curfew, for which she received a National Film Award for the role of schoolteacher Helen. Alexandra received a BIFA nomination for her debut movie role as Candice May in Pretty Red Dress, currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Over the last decade Alexandra has established herself as one of the UK’s most sought-after West End leading ladies, starring in The Bodyguard, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Chicago and The Addams Family (UK tour).
Alexandra first rose to fame over sixteen years ago, winning The X Factor in 2008, duetting with Beyonce to an audience of over 10 million. This iconic performance has been viewed over 40 million times on YouTube. Double platinum debut album Overcome featured three #1 singles, spent a year on the UK Album chart and earned three BRIT Award nominations.
A firm favourite across both stage and screen, Alexandra reached the final of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. In 2021 she was crowned ‘Star Baker’ on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer and was the only remaining woman to win Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.
