Alexandra Burke for I’m Every Woman, © Danny Kaan
Full casting has been revealed for a new musical, which follows the life of Chaka Khan.
Aiming to “reveal the woman behind the diva, and her rise to stardom,” the show will be led by Alexandra Burke, the first time the performer has ever originated a role.
She commented that almost 17 years ago, with her late mother by her side, she sang a Chaka number for her first non-televised audition for The X Factor.
“To think that all these years later I’ve been given the opportunity to play the superstar that is Chaka Khan in the West End would have been simply unimaginable for me back then.”
She added: “Thank you, mama, for all your love and guidance as I was growing up. You are in my thoughts every day, and I’ll be lovingly looking up at you every single show.”
I’m Every Woman The Musical will feature Khan’s songs as a solo artist as well as from her time leading Rufus. Numbers include “I Feel For You”, “Tell Me Something Good”, “Ain’t Nobody”, “Sweet Thing”, “Higher Love”, and “Through the Fire”, while characters will include her famous friends.
Joining Burke are 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, 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 and Oliver Jacobson as Bob Monaco.
Completing the cast in the ensemble are Samuel Sarpong-Broni, Kayleigh Stephenson, Peter Houston, Earl Gregory, Vanessa Dumatey, Gregory Armand, Harry Robinson, Zinzilé Tshuma, Oskarina O’Sullivan and Tarik Frimpong, who is also resident choreographer.
Maryla Abraham, Chanice Alexander-Burnett, Alexandra Burke, Jordan Frazier, Charlotte St Croix, © Danny Kaan
The musical will feature direction by Racky Plews, musical supervision by Mark Crossland, choreography by Ebony Clarke, set design by Sara Perks, sound design by Chris Whybrow, costume design by Natalie Pryce, wigs, hair and make up designed by JJ Wigs, casting by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, production management by Toby P Darvill, and general management by Emily Obasohan.
It is produced by Adrian Grant Productions in association with Chaka Khan, while the co-producers are Willette Klausner Murphy for WMK Productions, Tammy Michelle, Mahben Quddus, and Dave Lumby.
On Wednesday 18 March and Wednesday 25 March, the role of Chaka will be played by Frazier.
I’m Every Woman will play at the Peacock Theatre from 5 to 28 March 2026. An official opening is set for 11 March 2026.
