It is easy to see why Chicago is the longest running American musical in West End history. Along with the classic big numbers, 'All that Jazz' and 'Razzle Dazzle', it's the sexiest, most seductive show around.
Set in the 1920s, Chicago follows the story of club singer, Roxie Hart, who murders her lover after being shunned. Along with her cell block rival, double murderess,Velma Kelly, the pair try to dodge Death Row with the help of cunning lawyer Billy Flynn who transforms his clients into celebrities to win sympathy and sway public opinion.
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It was great to see such a strong female cast led by stand out singer, Sophie Carmen-Jones who plays Velma Kelly. The experienced West End performer wowed the audience, making the energetic dance routines and challenging vocals look completely effortless.
Roxie is played by former Coronation Street and Emmerdale star, Hayley Tamaddon. Her voice is sensational and, although much shorter than her fellow dancers, she managed to keep up with them very well, even when they were leaping across the stage. Hayley adds some great comedic moments to the show which I have never seen in other versions.
I was slightly disappointed that Prison Matron, Mama Morton was not played by Eastenders actress, Jesse Wallace on the opening night. Mama was portrayed by understudy, Ellie Mitchell who gave a great performance and lent her powerful singing voice to a brilliant rendition of 'When you're good to Mama'.
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The female leads were supported by another ex- Eastender, John Partridge. John plays lawyer, Billy Flynn. He performs with great confidence and it is clear he is giving the part his all, especially after the impressive long note he belts out two songs in. Hayley and John have great on stage chemistry. Their delivery of 'We both reached for the gun', where they play a ventriloquist and dummy is great.
Amos Hart, Roxie's long suffering sappy husband, is played brilliantly by Neil Ditt. His performance of 'Mister Cellophone' was a favourite with the audience. Special mention should also go to the vocal talents of Mary Sunshine, the newspaper reporter played by A.D Richardson.
The band join the ensemble on stage. They are conducted by Ben Atkinson with enthusiasm and energy aplenty. It is such a joy to actually be able to view the band instead of having them hidden away under the stage and it is obvious they are all having a ball. They don't shy away from the limelight! Make sure you hang around at the end to see an impressive end of show band performance.
The production is stripped back with the set made up of just a few chairs and minimal lighting but props and scenery weren't needed to aid storytelling. The monochrome scenery and costumes ensured the show was stylish and there was nothing on stage to distract you from the slickest choreography you'll see on stage.
With the theme of celebrity, media, gossip and greed relevant as ever today, there is no better time to catch this current tour of Chicago. I have seen the show a couple of times but this was a particularly fabulous version of this long running classic. Full to the brim with sass and style, it's sure to razzle dazzle you.
Chicago is showing at The Theatre Royal Nottingham from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 August 2016.
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