Learn more about Todrick Hall's career ahead of 'Burlesque'

The multi-talented entertainer directs, choreographs, and stars in Burlesque, opening in the West End in July.

Todrick Hall is a truly multi-faceted entertainer known as a singer, actor, dancer, rapper, choreographer, TV personality, talent show judge, songwriter, and YouTuber – and now he’s a theatre director too. Few performers and creatives can beat him when it comes to versatility or volume of output. His energy levels must be off the charts!

Hall was born in Plainville, Texas in 1985 and later moved to Dallas with his family. He was influenced by The Wizard of Oz from an early age (which inspired his second album Straight Outta Oz) and began his career as a performer at the theme park Six Flags Over Texas at the age of 16. He also worked as a cruise ship entertainer. After making his Broadway debut in The Color Purple, Hall came to national attention when he competed in the ninth series of American Idol (2009), in which he reached the top 16.

Hall became resident choreographer and a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2016 and he undertook the same role on the spin-off RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars. He is a prolific recording artist and social media star. To date, he has 3.57 million YouTube followers and several Broadway stars, including Shoshana Bean, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and Alex Newell, have featured in his videos. A documentary charting his video-making process, Todrick, aired on MTV in 2015. He has served as a dance captain on So You Think You Can Dance?; and was runner-up on both the 2021 edition of The Masked Singer and the 2022 series of Celebrity Big Brother (both in the US).

Amid all this television, recording and digital work, Hall has made numerous theatre appearances. Never one to rest on his laurels, Hall is now director, choreographer, co-star, and co-songwriter of new musical Burlesque (based on the 2010 film), which arrives in the West End this summer. Read on for our guide to his theatre work.

Book Burlesque tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Early work (2008-14)

In 2008, Hall made his Broadway debut in the ensemble The Color Purple, understudying the roles of Bobby and Harpo. Post-American Idol, he joined the ensemble of Memphis and understudied the role of Gator. He appeared in a touring production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and returned to Texas to play Rum Tum Tugger in Cats – quite the eclectic start to his theatrical career.

Kinky Boots (2016-17)

Hall’s first leading role on Broadway was as the fabulous Lola/Simon in Kinky Boots (the role that was originated by a Tony-winning Billy Porter). He was offered the part without auditioning because his persona and backstory were so similar to the character’s. Hall has talked openly about the racism and homophobia that he has experienced in both his conservative small-town Texas upbringing and in the entertainment industry, nothing that the challenges that Lola faces resonated with him personally. He reprised the role at the Hollywood Bowl in 2020.

Chicago (2017-2018)

Following Kinky Boots, Hall brought plenty of razzle dazzle to the Broadway production of Kander and Ebb classic Chicago as silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn. The show is a great favourite of Hall’s and he has explained that the (all-female) ensemble number “Cell Block Tango” influenced many of his YouTube videos. During his stint in the show, the production had the highest-grossing week in its 21-year history. A year later, Hall reprised the role in another limited run in the West End production for its final weeks at the Phoenix Theatre, co-starring with West End stalwarts Sarah Soetaert as Roxie, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma, and Mazz Murray as Mama Morton.

Waitress (2019)

In contrast to the ultra-smooth Billy Flynn, Hall next appeared on Broadway in the supporting role of the adorably goofy Ogie in Sara Bareilles's Waitress, suitor to the equally awkward Dawn, who was played by Colleen Ballinger, a fellow YouTube star known for her uproarious “Miranda Sings” videos.

Shrek (2024)

In between regional engagements in Burlesque (see below), Hall played Donkey in Shrek in a summer run at London’s Hammersmith Eventim. LondonTheatre.co.uk’s reviewer was delighted with his performance: “Broadway star Todrick Hall is a real hoot as Donkey, channelling some big Eddie Murphy vibes with his sass and attitude.”

Burlesque (2024 & 2025)

In 2024, Hall appeared in the first incarnation of the stage adaptation of the 2010 film Burlesque, which starred Christina Aguilera as aspiring performer Ali and Cher as her boss Tess. Hall played the role of Shaun (played by Stanley Tucci in the film), the club costumier who provides emotional support to Ali, Cher, and all the performers. The show played in Manchester and Glasgow and then had a short repeat engagement in Manchester. He also contributed music and lyrics to the score.

For the West End transfer at the Savoy Theatre, Hall takes the reins as director and choreographer, as well as reprising the role of Shaun. It’s a tremendous amount of responsibility but there’s no doubt that he’ll rise to the challenge with the utmost aplomb, as with all his projects.

Book Burlesque tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.