Classic jazz numbers performed by a live band transport you to the 1920s as the seamless cast strut, sway and sing the story of Roxie Hart.
Chicago is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history and it is easy to get swept up in the excitement and anticipation of a show like this. It was my first time seeing Chicago and the UK tour, which opened at Milton Keynes Theatre, did not disappoint, leaving the audience wanting more and ending with a full standing ovation.
The show tells the story of Roxie Hart, played by Faye Brookes, best-known for appearing as Kate Connor in Coronation Street
Roxie is a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she hires Billy Flynn, Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer, to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines.
Faye Brookes is brilliantly expressive and brings real energy to a theatrical classic, complemented by a seamless and sultry supporting cast who really bring the Razzle Dazzle. Her co-star, Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton, transforms himself into his 1920s American lawyer character and struts his way through the performance as the courtroom puppeteer.
The most well-known song and the opening number, All That Jazz, involves a large section of the cast, who slink their way across the stage, led by Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, Roxie Hart’s fellow inmate and front-page rival.
Scott has perfected the role and makes the jealousy towards Roxie Hart entirely believable in what is an utterly faultless performance as she leads the way across multiple musical numbers. It would be tough to overshadow Scott on stage, despite the press falling at the feet of Roxie Hart.
Velma and the girls had the audience laughing as they sang the stories of their murderous deeds in Cell Block Tango, although they would all have you believe they are innocent or acting in self-defence. Perhaps you could say that is up to interpretation! The 1920s-style sounds had me tapping my feet, engrossed and entertained by the performance.
The set is minimalist and simple, but is brought to life by the expression, acting and classic musical numbers, performed on stage by the live band.
The simple, darkened staging really puts the spotlight on the performers and the members of the live band’s use of multiple instruments was particularly impressive. Neil MacDonald, the shows musical director, even got involved with on-stage conversation.
Other notable performances included TV personality Brenda Edwards as Mamma Morton and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine. Both were given huge applause and cheers during the finale.
Joshua Lloyd created an expertly tragic characterisation of Roxie Hart’s husband, Amos and his performance of Mister Cellophane brought pitty from the theatre.
I loved the show and would absolutely see it again. The UK tour is the ideal opportunity to catch this Broadway and West End classic.
The UK tour of Chicago is showing in Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 19th October before travelling to venues including the Theatre Royal in Newcastle, Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre and the Edinburgh Playhouse, before closing at King’s Theatre, Glasgow.
Group bookings for Milton Keynes Theatre are available at www.atgtickets.com/groups.
Group rates for the rest of the tour are venue specific. To view all of the touring venues, dates and to buy tickets, visit chicagothemusical.com/uk-tour.
