'Little Dancer' musical announced to open at Theatre Royal Haymarket

A new musical inspired by Edgar Degas’ famous sculpture is heading to the West End: Little Dancer will play the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a strictly limited six-week season from 15 February to 27 March 2027. The production is billed as the musical’s London run before a world tour, according to the official production website.

A story behind the sculpture

Set in Belle Époque Paris, the musical follows Marie van Goethem, the 14-year-old ballerina who posed for Degas’ celebrated sculpture. The production explores Marie’s ambitions and her relationship with the artist, placing art, determination and the Paris Opera Ballet at the centre of a story about a young woman who refuses to be forgotten.

The show has a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, the Tony- and Olivier Award-winning team behind Ragtime, Anastasia and Once on This Island. Five-time Tony and Olivier Award-winner Susan Stroman directs and choreographs. The writers’ official announcement describes the musical as inspired by the life of the young ballerina who became the model for Degas’ groundbreaking sculpture.

Tiler Peck leads the West End cast

New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck will make her West End debut as Young Marie. She is joined by Julian Ovenden as Edgar Degas, Laura Pitt-Pulford as Adult Marie and Josefina Gabrielle as Martine. The production’s cast listing identifies the performers and confirms that additional casting will be announced.

Peck is currently scheduled to appear in every performance through Saturday 20 March 2027, although the producers note that they cannot guarantee any individual artist’s appearance at a particular performance.

The creative team also includes Tony Award-winners Beowulf Boritt (scenic design), William Ivey Long (costume design), Ken Billington (lighting design) and Kai Harada (sound design), alongside projection designer Benjamin Pearcy.

The musical previously received sold-out presentations in the United States and a one-night London concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2025. Its Theatre Royal Haymarket engagement will give audiences the opportunity to experience the work as a full stage production, combining musical theatre with ballet and the visual world of 19th-century Paris.