Here’s a first look at I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical, which makes its London premiere at Hackney Empire this month.
Described as the powerful and inspiring story of the superstar singer, Alexander Burke takes the title role for performances in Hackney and later in Coventry and Eastbourne.
The fame, the fire, the fight – this is her story. I’m Every Woman brings to life the untold story of Chaka Khan, one of the most influential voices of our time. Unapologetically bold and deeply human, the production explores her unwavering passion for civil rights, her defiance in the face of a toxic music industry, the harrowing road through addiction, and the unrelenting pressure of being a working mother. At its core, it’s a story of resilience, purpose, and power – a celebration of the woman behind the legend.
The Hackney Empire cast also 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.
Completing the cast in the ensemble are Kayleigh Stephenson, Earl Gregory, Vanessa Dumatey, Gregory Armand, Harry Robinson, Zinzile Tshuma, Oskarina O’Sullivan, Connor Wilkins and Tarik Frimpong, who is also resident choreographer.
The new musical reveals the woman behind the icon, and charts her rise to stardom. It 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, hair, wigs & makeup design by JJ Wigs, casting by Debbie O’Brien, associate direction by Oliver Lidert, associate choreography by Simeon Beckett, production management by Toby P Darvill and general management by Emily Obasohan.
The production will feature Chaka Khan’s much-loved songs released as a solo artist and lead singer of the band ‘Rufus’ such as I Feel For You, Tell Me Something Good, Ain’t Nobody, Sweet Thing, Higher Love and Through The Fire.
It is produced by Adrian Grant Productions in association with Chaka Khan. Coproducers include Tammy Michelle for Chaka Khan Enterprises, Nia T Hill and Michael Derek Thomas for ODX Studios; Willette Murphy Klausner for WMK Productions. For Adrian Grant Productions: Mahben Quddus and Dave Lumby.
I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical makes its London premiere at Hackney Empire from March 20-25. The production will then open at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from April 1-4 and the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from April 7-11, 2026.
Tickets for Hackney Empire here.
Top image: The cast of I’m Every Woman, credit Danny Kaan (image supplied)