Immersed in the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, CHICAGO tells the story of Roxie Hart, played brilliantly by Faye Brooks. Roxie, a housewife who murders her lover when he threatens to leave, embarks on a scheme to manipulate the public, the media, and even her rival, Velma Kelly (the fiery Djalenga Scott). Alongside her is the slick lawyer Billy Flynn, portrayed by Kevin Clifton who spins Roxie’s crime into a media circus that feels eerily reminiscent of today’s tabloid culture.
And let’s not forget Roxie’s husband, Amos (played with heart by Joshua Lloyd), who, despite his naivety (Lord knows he ain’t got the smarts!), offers a touching contrast to the corruption surrounding him. Jordan Lee Davies as reporter Mary Sunshine also provides a welcome sense of good amid the chaos, adding a much-needed layer of nuance to the narrative. Their characters remind us that even in a world filled with scandal, crime, and deceit, there is still goodness—a theme as relevant today as it was then.
With its iconic score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and choreography influenced by the legendary Bob Fosse, CHICAGO is filled with sultry, show-stopping numbers like “Razzle Dazzle,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “All That Jazz.” This production doesn't shy away from its roots, and longtime fans will revel in the signature Fosse moves while appreciating the fresh interpretations threaded through the choreography—Bravo! The ensemble was incredibly strong, and the decision to have them positioned in the wings, watching the action, added to the drama.
The minimalist set, with the orchestra front and centre on a raked rig, was a brilliant touch. Seamlessly integrated into the action, the orchestra was a sensational and integral part of the show, and we were pleased to see them celebrated in a way they absolutely deserved.
As for the cast, Brenda Edwards was absolutely stupendous as Matron "Mama" Morton. Her rendition of “When You’re Good to Mama” was a clear audience favourite, and her commanding stage presence left a lasting impression. Another household name, Kevin Clifton, was, we must say, a wonderful surprise delivering a performance with brilliant vocals and a charisma that fit the character beautifully – Having not seen Kevin in a musical before we absolutely wouldn’t hesitate to do so again.
If you're new to CHICAGO, we would recommend familiarising yourself with the plot beforehand, as the show moves at a rapid pace. While we enjoyed the minimalist set and traditional costuming, it can make it tricky to grasp when/where you are in the narrative. The programme offers fascinating insight into the real-life events that inspired the musical, adding even more depth to the experience, so we highly recommend picking one up and having a read beforehand as well!
Overall, this production was a dazzling return to the show's Fosse roots, with standout performances across the board, especially from its two powerhouse leading ladies. Faye Brooks and Djalenga Scott brought fresh energy and characterisation to their iconic roles, and it was evident that great care had been taken in shaping their portrayals, as well as those of the entire cast. What stood out to us was how the women, who can sometimes be portrayed as one-dimensional due to their brash personalities, were directed in a way that leaned into these traits so deeply, it added unexpected layers of complexity. This juxtaposition gave their characters a depth we hadn’t seen before, which we thoroughly enjoyed unpicking. It was a subtle but significant shift that was much appreciated by the audience.
