‘Give Them the Old Razzle Razzle…’ Chicago the Musical, Phoenix Theatre, London. 27.04.2018

I was invited along to be the plus one from a fellow theatre blogger Becky Mary AllThingsStagey to attend press night of the return of Chicago. Of course I said yes to a chance to catch this classic, intrigued as to how different it would be to the tour – to my surprise it wasn’t a lot, except for a change of faces within the roles.

Chicago was originally brought to life by legendary director, and choreographer Bob Fosse, based on the original book writer Maurine Dallas Watkins. Set in the 1920s it tells the story of unknown sweet Chorus girl Roxie Hart. She is flown in jail after being accused of murdering her lover in her apartment, when her husband Amos confesses to the police that the burglar he supposedly shot when he entered the home was well known to his family as their furniture salesman. threatened with the death penalty she manages to convince her husband to hire Billy Flynn the go to lawyer for women on murderess row. Roxie soon becomes the media’s star and soon learns that murder is merely a form of entertainment, to which she soaks up willingly and desperately ensures that it stays that way by any means! Along with Roxie in the cells is Velma Kelly part of the successful Vaudeville double act, she also is accused of killing her sister and Husband (having discovered them having an affair). Velma envious of Roxie’s fame that is taking away from her notoriety she confides in ‘Mama’ Morton the prison matron but comes to realise that in the end they both need each other to fuel their own ambitions.

Having previously caught this production on tour, being the first time I had seen it also it was exciting to finally watch it. Now back on the West End again I was intrigued to see how much had changed, taken me by surprise that when viewing a lot of it felt like deja vu. That’s not to say it wasn’t just as good, who can flaunt Bob Fosse’s choreography, as always it mesmerising to watch, seeing it up close was also a bonus having been a little further back when i saw it last. It was more that I was surprised they didn’t change a few things to help make it unique to the Phoenix stage. That being said, one thing that had defiantly changed was that of the cast list!

Tonight’s cast was:

Velma Kelly – Josefina Gabrielle

Roxie Hart – Sara Soetaert

Amos Hart – Paul Rider

Matron ‘Mama’ Morton – Ruthie Henshall

Billy Flynn – Cuba Gooding Jr.

Mary Sunshine – A D Richardson

Ensemble – Michelle Antrobus, Chris Warner Drake, Matt Krzan, Frances Dee, Natalie Bennyworth, Emma Harris, Chelsea Labadini, Nicola Coates, Callum Macdonald, Abramo Ciullo, Charles Ruhrmund, Todd Talbot, Matt Krazan, Francis Foreman.

Ruthie Hensall returns to Chicago, having previously played both Velma and Roxie she takes on the third role of ‘Mama’ Morton in this production. It was my first time seeing her in action on the stage, and she does it with ease. Her voice is beautiful and well suited for each role, but I would have likes a little more attitude to carry out the role that is well known for her imposing charges.  The two other leading ladies Josefina Gabrielle and Sara Sotaert , having previously performed in Chicago both took to the stage as Velma and Roxie. Josefina had the charisma as Velma while Sara ensured that Roxie was both quick witted and irritating to suit the characters naïve persona. They played of well to each other, you can see why they both returned to the role.

Stepping into cool, collected lawyer Billy Flynn was Hollywood star Cuba Gooding Jr. his West End debut that received an applause as soon as he stepped into the light! Sad to say when hen began to sing his notes fell flat, it just wasn’t suited for the songs in which Billy sings and you could tell at times he was really forcing to try and hit all the right notes. Had this part been that of just acting he would have slayed as he certainly had the charisma and charm to woo any women on the stage and Flynn is great for doing but unfortunately he just didn’t have the full package.

There is no denying that Chicago is one of the best musicals we have to date, there is a reason as to why it remains on stage for so long and revisits when it can, but with so many different performances when it revived you want to see something new and creative within a new production rather than walking away thinking ive seen it already. One things for sure is this musical is one you have to see within your list, it has recently been announced that taken over from Cuba is Martin Kemp – who i feel may be excellent within the role. I guess i may have to take a second trip while it stays on the West End.

For all ticket information go to the official website here.