Tiler Peck, Julian Ovenden and more to star in new musical 'Little Dancer'

Little Dancer is inspired by the real story of Marie van Goethem, the girl who posed for impressionist Edgar Degas and led to one of his most iconic sculptures.

New musical Little Dancer will make its West End premiere at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 15 February, running through 27 March 2027.

Directed and choreographed by two-time Olivier and five-time Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman (The Producers, Crazy for You, Contact, Oklahoma!), the production will star Olivier-nominated New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck (through 20 March) alongside Olivier Award nominee Julian Ovenden (High Society, Downton Abbey, South Pacific) as Edgar Degas.

They are joined by Olivier nominees Laura Pitt-Pulford (Into The Woods, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Seven Bridges for Seven Brothers) as Adult Marie and Josefina Gabrielle (High Society, Chicago, Les Misérables) as Martine.

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.”

Ovenden said: “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.”

Stroman added: "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.”

Little Dancer is inspired by the real story of Marie van Goethem, the girl who posed for impressionist Edgar Degas and led to one of his most iconic sculptures.

With a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, 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.

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.”

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.”

Book Little Dancer tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Little Dancer key art. (Courtesy of production)