'I'm Every Woman — The Chaka Khan Musical' changes London premiere plans, as Peacock run cancelled

The musical tells inspiring life story of the award-winning singer Chaka Khan, charting her rise to stardom.

Summary

• I'm Every Woman — The Chaka Khan Musical will have a run at Hackney Empire from 20-25 March following the cancellation of the Peacock Theatre run
• Alexandra Burke stars in the lead role
• The musical charts the rise of Chaka Khan to stardom

New musical I'm Every Woman — The Chaka Khan Musical has cancelled its initial run at the Peacock Theatre due to essential building works, and will now make its London premiere with a limited engagement at Hackney Empire from 20-25 March.

The production, which stars Alexandra Burke in the lead role, will then continue its previously announced tour at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (1 - 4 April) and the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne (7 - 11 April 2026) as planned.

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.”

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.”

Chris Sudworth, CEO of Hackney Empire, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Adrian Grant Productions to ensure audiences can experience this fantastic new musical this March. Hackney Empire has always championed bold, ambitious work forefronting global majority creatives and stories, and I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical is exactly that: a powerful celebration of an extraordinary artist and her legacy. We’re proud to be welcoming the production to our stage and to be able to support the company at this time.”

The rest of the cast includes Jordan Frazier as alternate Chaka Khan, Paige Peddie as Taka Boom, Chanice Alexander-Burnett as Tammy Michelle/Paulette McWilliams, Charlotte St Croix as Milini Khan/Whitney Houston, Maryla Abraham as Sandra Stevens, Chrissie Bhima as Marie Stevens, Sophie Earl as Joni Mitchell, Duane-Lamonte O'Garro as Hassan Khan/Luther Vandross, Miles Anthony Daley as Richard Holland/Prince, Teddy Wills as Fred Hampton/Miles Davis/Grand Master Melle Mel, Chris Breistein as Steve Winwood, Samuel Sarpong-Broni as Charles Stevens/Yoruba Priest/Stevie Wonder, and Peter Houston as Bob Monaco.

The musical tells inspiring life story of the award-winning singer Chaka Khan, charting her rise to stardom. I'm Every Woman 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, video design by Buckloop, lighting design by Zoe Spurr, costume design by Natalie Pryce, and hair, wigs & makeup design by JJ Wigs.

Check back for I'm Every Woman — The Chaka Khan Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Alexandra Burke. (Photo by Danny Kaan)