MusicalNorth WestReview

Chicago – Regent Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent

Reviewer: Mel Osborne

Music/Lyrics: John Kander and Fred Ebb

Director: Walter Bobbie

Chicago, the 6-time Tony award-winning show is currently back on tour with a new cast for 2022. It stars the acclaimed classical singer Russell Watson as Billy Flynn and Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart. Originally a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, it is a satire about corruption in the justice system and ‘celebrity’ criminals at that time. The musical was created in 1975 and like many musicals, it has gone through periods of popularity and decline but has currently has an impressive twenty-six-year run.

Roxie Hart is a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. To avoid conviction, she hires Chicago’s slickest lawyer to transform her crimes into sensational headlines and a promising career awaits her if she is freed. But Roxie appears to lose sight of what the actual court case is about, and her head is turned by the glitz, glamour, and headlines.

If there is a bucket list of musicals to see, then Chicago must be on it, and doesn’t disappoint. The 1920s are certainly more appealing than the 2020s and packed with plenty of razzle and dazzle. The stage setting is plain but stylish. Simple but effective lighting is all that is needed to create a magical vision. The set is bought to life with the compelling lyrics and the power of the talented ensemble as we flick from nightclub to jail and to court. Even props are limited to some feathers and a bowler hat. Yet it works, all this show needs is music and dancing to tell its story.

A live orchestra takes centre stage and is part of the action led by a charismatic conductor Andrew Hilton. Everything about Chicago is polished to perfection. The ensemble are highly skilled artists taking on the complex choreography, which is kept to the style of Bob Fosse, the original choreographer. The costumes are breathtakingly risqué as are the dance moves. This is not a show for all the family.

Djalanga Scott opens as the sultry Velma performing an exquisite version of All that Jazz and demonstrating that not all musical songs need to be belted out to make an impact. Brookes makes a delightfully daring Roxie Hart, who despite her self-centred behaviour is adorable and the audience can’t help but want her to win her case.

Russell Watson is a triumph as Billy Flynn, demonstrating that not only can he raise the roof with his powerful lungs, but he can also act as well. Roxie Hart may think she is the one pulling all the strings, but it is Flynn who is in control.

This was a stunning and unforgettable performance. It is extravagant, raunchy, and bold. It is, without doubt, a show that is worth the hype and should be seen at least once.

Runs Until Saturday 19 March 2022

The Reviews Hub Score

Raunchy and bold.

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The North West team is under the editorship of John McRoberts. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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One Comment

  1. we went to watch it and it was FANTASTIC. What an amazing cast, the energy from start to finish left me tired. I think Faye Brookes and Djalanga Scott did an amazing job. I have never seen the stage version , but i think for a small sized stage it was a great production. Loved it from start to finish and what a fabulous orchestral production. TEN stars for all involved….i am still humming the songs now.

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