‘Pop, Six, Squish, Uh Uh, Cicero, Lipschitz!’ Chicago, The Churchill Theatre, Bromley. 14.10.2016

I had unfortunately missed my chance to see to see this show the first time it was in a nearby theatre, mainly poor planning, but also didn’t have a friend to join me. So when I saw that it was coming round again, I wasn’t going to mess up this time! Although it was planned a week before i was lucky to have had two partners in crime to join me in tonight’s viewing of the tour of Bob Fosse’s Chicago, at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley.

This theatre is close to my heart, mainly because it was the stage I was privileged and lucky to perform on myself last November in ‘Sunset Boulevard’ but this also helped to understand that the seating in the Churchill has great views from any seat, so when the date was decided I managed to get Row S seats 18-20 at the price of £41.50. As you can tell from the ticket the view was brilliant, and faces were visible throughout the performance. So I would recommend any seat in this theatre and it is your choice as to what you want to what you can afford.

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.

The story is told brilliantly with minimal set of the band live on the stage, it mainly focuses on the cast to tell the story and the chorus;s amazing slick, and smooth dance numbers. The choreography is just spot on and mesmerising, Bob Fosse’s style is so unique that just a click of fingers, or wave was so strong that nothing went a miss. highlights would have to be mainly when the full ensemble took part, who all worked so well together throughout, (I envy those with some amazing legs I must say) such as ‘Razzle Dazzle’ and also my favourite number of them all ‘We Both Reached for the Gun.’ Although the main numbers were influenced by Bob Fosse it was lovely to see that this production paid tribute to him by performing the original choreography for the finale number ‘Hot Honey Rag’ performed by Velma and Roxie. I would love to learn a dance or two myself.

 

 

Now onto the main cast of the night, we were lucky as like many tours to have the leads with no understudies:

Velma Kelly – Sophie Carmen-Jones

Roxie Hart – Hayley Tamaddon

Amos Hart – Neil Ditt

Matron ‘Mama’ Morton – Jessie Wallace

Billy Fiynn – John Partridge

Miss Sunshine – A D Richardson

Sophie Carmen-Jones, is a triple threat she can act, sing, and boy can she dance, being the so to say unknown of the main cast she shined brighter than some, and I loved her Velma. The numbers she performed were spot on and again she is a dancer who makes it looks easy, how she wasn’t panting after each kick and spin is beyond me but she had the attitude, and style that was built for Velma’s character. Performing alongside her was Hayley Tamaddon, well known for playing Delilah Dingle in Emmerdale but tonight she was sweet ‘innocent’ fame driven Roxie Hart. It is rare for me not to comment on a performer who has come from television to be brilliant, but Hayley proved me wrong, she stole the show and I loved her portrayal of Roxie.  She had brilliant comic moments that she took in her stride, her voice was warming and strong that suited the style, you can tell that she loved playing the part, and I loved watching her.

I was very excited about seeing Jessie Wallace (Kat from EastEnders she is best known for) in the role of ‘Mama’ Morton, having taken over the part from X factor Sam Bailey, I was intrigued to know how she would take on the part. I knew she has returned to the theatre as my best friend had recently seen her in the ‘The Perfect Murder’ in Brighton. But tonight she was singing, and boy could she, who knew that Jessie had a set of pipes on her and well suited the role, I even preferred her to Queen Latifah (from the Film Version), her duet with Sophie ‘What Ever Happened to Class’ was such a highlight as she really could show her range, and I saw her in a completely different light, and I hope that maybe I get to see her in other roles in the future.

John Partridge a well known musical star was performing as Bily Flynn, and I would be lying if he wasn’t a reason that I wanted to see the musical, I have always wanted to see him live, having watched him on the Cats live performance as Rum Tum Tugger. When he took to the stage I was very excited,  but then drawn back by his first number ‘All I Care About’ either he wasn’t on top form, or just warming up but it didn’t sound great, and forced at times, I was very surprised as were my partners in crime, it just wasn’t what I expected to hear.  However as the show went on, he seemed to warm up, and numbers ‘Both Reached for the Gun’ and ‘Razzle Dazzle’ were much better and a lot more natural than the first song. He can also hold a note for Britain that’s for sure, and you can tell why he is great in the theatre!

Special mention goes to Neil Ditt as innocent sweet Amos, the audience loved and sympathised with him, and I loved his character, very happy I started the applause for him with a whoop on his exit. Also A D Richardson who played Miss Sunshine… I don’t want to give away the spoiler or anything but believe me I was not expecting that ending at all…but wow what a set of pipes too!

I was very happy to have had the chance to catch this production on its 2nd time around, as it has always been one that has been on the list to see for quite sometime. If it had the chance to come round again in the near future I would consider seeing it again as you come away dancing, and singing the numbers. Unfortunately it’s final performance at the Churchill was Saturday 15th October, but next stop is Woking, but for further information on tickets, places, and dates click here, I also know main tickets are available from the ATG website also Jesse Wallace run ends on the 26th November 2016, where the role of ‘Mama’ Morton will be taken over by Mica Paris. It is one not to miss if you love everything Dance.