Chicago musical UK tour at New Theatre Oxford review
I couldn’t remember if I’d ever seen the musical Chicago before other than maybe the film. And an amateur performance nearly 30 years ago when I was at uni. But I couldn’t resist getting tickets to see the show when the the Chicago musical UK tour was visiting the New Theatre in Oxford.
If you’re not familiar with the musical, it’s set in 1920s Chicago. Where there’s liquor and jazz, and sleaze sells papers and people get away with murder.
It’s glamorous and glitzy while being set largely amongst the lives of a Women’s Correctional Unit run by Mama, who’s brilliantly played by Brenda Edwards. In the unit is famous double murderer Velma Kelly who’s about to have her trial before she plans to make the most of her fame.
Velma soon loses her crown as Queen of the women prisoners when young Roxie Hart turns up after murdering her lover, intent on lying her way through her time. Roxie’s always trying to wrap everyone around her little finger to get out of jail, especially her quiet unassuming husband Amos.
Notorious lawyer Billy Flynn played by Kevin Clifton, pulls deals to help the girls, with the journalists on his side.
The music is well known and easily recognisable, I definitely went away afterwards humming to some of the songs. The singing was excellent across the board. I was impressed with Kevin Clifton’s (anyone else want to follow that with ‘from Grimsby’?) performance. When I saw Strictly Ballroom it was all understudies except Faye, so it was a surprise to see how good Kevin Clifton’s voice was
The dancing is classic Bob Fosse with sharp, precise movements that are often subtle but effective especially in ensemble.
Slinky sexy black costumes makes for the glamour. It’s the only musical I’ve seen in the last couple of years with unsurprisingly all the cast being really trim (understandable I know I wouldn’t want to be wearing the small costumes!) In Razzle Dazzle it’s fun with the burlesque feather fans to make it more spectacular.
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Faye Brookes and Djalenga Scott were excellent as Roxie and Velma. Brenda Edwards as Mama showed the necessary presence and amazing vocals.
The dancing was as precise as expected, the staging is simple but effective. I really enjoy seeing a band on stage; with this set up they were part of the goings on with the story.
It was a treat to enjoy the band play at the end of the show while the audience are filing out of the theatre.
I loved the show, and left smiling at memories of a great performance.
Chicago musical UK tour finishes in Oxford on the 1st March. You can see it in other theatre around the UK over the next year. Buy tickets from ATG.