Chicago review: Come and see how the prettiest women ever charged with murder get free for an evening of fabulous entertainment.
Chicago review by Katey Thompson.
This is an evening full of music, dancing and singing. Chicago is based true events that happened in Chicago in the 1920’s and is based on the play written by Maurine Dallas Watkins. It is about two vaudeville acts who are being tried for murder, with lyrics and music by John Kander and Fred Ebb.
Roxie Hart is brilliantly performed by Hayley Tamaddon (of Emmerdale and Coronation Street fame) a night club singer who shoots her lover whilst declaring undying love for her husband Amos. Neil Ditt portrays this non-descript man with excellent pathos and humour, especially when he performs the classic Mister Cellophane. Velma Kelly, a double murderess is depicted brilliantly by Sophie Carmen-Jones. Whilst in prison Roxie steals Velma Kelly’s place on the front page of the newspapers and the attention of Billy Flynn (John Partridge from EastEnders), the suave, slick talking lawyer who loves the money he earns while fighting to keep these women who have killed from death row.
Jesse Wallace as Mama Morton is fabulous and her presence on the stage is immense as she carries the story forward. The rendition of ’When You’re Good To Mama’ was brilliant. The acting from all of these stars from family favourite soaps is absolutely outstanding and you forget that you have seen them in other roles as they completely transform themselves in to their respective characters.
The central characters are off on a fabulous journey into the seedier side of 1920’s life and are ably supported by an excellent cast, including Mary Sunshine – a sensationalist reporter who always gives into the softer reformed side of the murderess (A D Richardson).
As the drama of life awaiting trial and the eventual outcome unfolds you are accompanied by an excellent soundtrack and choreography. The acts and scenes are introduced by various cast members including the conductor (Leon Charles) and it is great to see the band so effectively used as part of the staging of the show. The musical is a slick, foot-tapping, excellent, lighthearted evening’s entertainment from start to finish with the skill and talent of the actors impressing you to the last. A brilliant treat of a show and one that is unmissable.
Chicago review by Katey Thompson, October 2016.
Chicago is playing at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until 22nd October 2016.
