The original West End production of Little Dancer will premiere at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 15 February to 27 March 2027, with tickets on sale now.
Inspired by the real-life story behind Edgar Degas’ iconic sculpture, the new musical tells the story of Marie van Goethem, the young dancer who became the muse for one of the most recognisable works of art in history.
Directed and choreographed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman, Little Dancer features a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, the acclaimed creators of Ragtime, Anastasia and Once on This Island.
The production stars New York City Ballet Principal Dancer, Emmy Award winner and Olivier Award nominee Tiler Peck, who will make her West End debut in the title role. She is joined by Julian Ovenden as Edgar Degas, Laura Pitt-Pulford as Adult Marie and Josefina Gabrielle as Martine.
Speaking about the production, Tiler Peck said: “I’m thrilled to bring Little Dancer to London alongside this incredible team and make my West End debut in a story that resonates so deeply with me. Many people know of the Little Dancer sculpture, but few know much about the girl, the muse, who inspired it. This show is about two determined artists willing to do anything for their craft, and it reveals a whole new side to Degas’ masterpiece. I cannot wait to bring the little dancer’s story to life in the beautiful, historic Theatre Royal Haymarket night after night.”
Julian Ovenden added: “I couldn’t be happier or more excited to be returning to the Theatre Royal Haymarket next spring with Little Dancer, this beautiful story inspired by Edgar Degas and his famous young dancer. Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have written a deeply moving show about art, ambition and the lives of artists, and I’m thrilled to be part of bringing it to London. I also feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such extraordinary women at the very top of their game, Susan Stroman, Tiler Peck, Laura Pitt-Pulford and Josefina Gabrielle. It promises to be a very special experience.”
Susan Stroman said: “Little Dancer is a visually stunning and life-affirming piece of theater about the lives of women and the power of art. Just as Degas was inspired by Marie, Marie inspired me. She wanted to be a great dancer, and inadvertently, through art, became the most famous dancer in the world.”
Following acclaimed and sold-out runs in Washington D.C. and Seattle, as well as a sold-out concert presentation at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2025, the musical now receives its long-awaited West End premiere.
The creative team includes set designer Beowulf Boritt, lighting designer Ken Billington, costume designer William Ivey Long, sound designer Kai Harada, orchestrators Doug Besterman and Larry Hochman, music supervisor and dance arranger Sam Davis, and casting director Jill Green Casting, CDG.
Lynn Ahrens said: “What a rare thing–to discover an untold story of art, and then get to tell it with a world-class team of collaborators. We’re thrilled and honored to bring this production– and this extraordinary story–to the West End.”
Stephen Flaherty added: “Writing the music for Little Dancer has been the joy of a lifetime. The music carries dancers through the air and lifts audiences long after the curtain comes down. I can’t wait to share the magical world of our show in this historic theater this coming spring.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
