Theatre
Preview
Everything you need to know about Little Dancer the musical
All the information you need on the new musical coming to the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Little Dancer will make its premiere in London next year, taking Edgar Degas’ famous sculpture to the West End stage. Brough to life by a multi-award-winning creative team and cast, this new musical promises a dazzling, affirming adventure in 19th century Paris that captures what it is to have a dream bigger than oneself. Here’s everything you need to know about Little Dancer.
What is Little Dancer about?
The new musical is inspired by the real story of Marie van Goethem, the girl who posed for impressionist Edgar Degas and became the basis for one of his most iconic sculptures. A fourteen-year-old Parisian dancer, she’s far less famous than her immortal counterpart, but Little Dancer puts her story centre stage. As Marie enters the demanding world of the Paris Opera Ballet, she crosses paths with Degas and leaves an unexpected impact on art history. But her sculpture overshadows her real story; that of a struggle to overcome her circumstances and pursue her dreams of dance.
Who is starring in Little Dancer?
New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck, who played young Marie during the show’s development in the US and London, returns as young Marie. She’s joined by Julian Ovenden (High Society, Downton Abbey, South Pacific) as Edgar Degas.
Is Little Dancer a new musical?
Yes, Little Dancer is a brand new musical coming to the West End for the first time.
Who wrote the show?
The musical features a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning team behind hits like Anastasia, Ragtime and Once On This Island.
What songs will be in Little Dancer the musical?
Little Dancer will feature an original score.
Who else is in the cast?
Laura Pitt-Pulford (Into The Woods, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Seven Bridges for Seven Brothers) will play Adult Marie, with fellow Olivier nominee Josefina Gabrielle (High Society, Chicago, Les Misérables) as Martine.
Who’s on the creative team?
Little Dancer is directed and choreographed by two-time Olivier and five-time Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman (The Producers, Crazy for You, Contact, Oklahoma!. The creative team also includes set design by Beowulf Boritt, lighting design by Ken Billington, costume design by William Ivey Long, sound design by Kai Harada, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and Larry Hochman, and music supervision and dance arrangements by Sam Davis.
Which theatre will Little Dancer play at?
Little Dancer will play at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London’s West End.
When will Little Dancer come to London?
The show will make its premiere on 15 February, running through 27 March 2027.
Why should I see it?
Described as “lush, evocative and achingly human,” Little Dancer sheds new light on one of art history’s most loved pieces, revealing the young dreamer behind the sculpture. Set in the vibrant theatres, studios and streets of Belle Époque Paris, this is set to be a stunning new offering from a creative team whose track record speaks for itself. Don’t miss out.
Little Dancer is currently booking at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 16 Feb – 27 March 2027 – find your tickets here
