Chicago UK Tour | Short Review

Strong leads, tight choreography and stylish production values make for a slickly enjoyable outing for this Kander, Ebb and Fosse classic musical. Directed by Tania Nardini and choreographed by Gary Chryst (recreating the direction and choreography of the 1996 New York production), the show delivers hit after hit without pause for breath.

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton makes for a suitably shifty Billy Flynn, with Djalenga Scott a cool and prickly Velma Kelly and Faye Brookes an enjoyably gauche Roxie Hart. All three (alongside Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton and Joshua Lloyd as the beleaguered Amos Hart) are in fine voice and handle their moves with aplomb, supported by a troupe of talented dancers. 

Chicago plays at the Newcastle Theatre Royal until 2 November 2024 before it tours the UK – for more information and tickets, visit chicagothemusical.com

Production Credits

Chicago by John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics, book) and Bob Fosse (book)

Newcastle Theatre Royal, 28 October

Cast Faye Brookes, Brenda Edwards, Djalenga Scott, Joshua Lloyd, Jordan Lee Davies, Kevin Clifton, Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, Josh Crowther, Joe Dale, Frances Dee, Jessica Keable, Robin Kent, Annabelle Laing, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathan Milton, George Olney, Oliver Ramsdale, Elly Shaw, Lucy Anne Stacey, Matthew Sweet, Ria Tanaka.   

Director Tania Nardini (recreating New York direction by Walter Bobbie)

You can read our full-page review in the December issue of Musicals magazine, on sale 22 November – consider subscribing today!