Shona McGarty Leads Bettie Page Musical

Published Tue, 22 April 2025

EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty is set to take centre stage in the West End this summer, stepping into the spotlight as the iconic Bettie Page for a one-night-only musical concert.

Bettie Page: Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical will be performed at the Lyric Theatre on 9 June 2025. The show explores the life and legacy of Bettie Page, the legendary 1950s pin-up model who became a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and glamour.

Best known for her long-running role as Whitney Dean in EastEnders, McGarty has recently impressed theatre audiences with her performance in 2:22 A Ghost Story in Dublin. Now, she takes on the challenge of portraying a woman who helped redefine attitudes towards sexuality and female empowerment.

McGarty shared her excitement, saying: “Bettie’s era of the 1950s has always fascinated me — the fashion, the hairstyles. Burlesque is an art form that celebrates the strength of women, and Bettie helped shine a spotlight on that. I hope to do her justice on stage.”

Directed by Rachel Klein and written by Tegan Summer, the musical blends original songs with beloved tracks from the 1950s and 1960s, bringing Bettie’s story to life through music and movement. The show is produced by Tegan Summer Theatricals in association with Mark Roesler.

With its mix of nostalgia, empowerment, and a captivating lead, this one-night-only performance promises to be a celebration of an icon who changed the rules of pop culture.