Chicago at Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
If you are looking for some Razzle Dazzle this week, then head down to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall for the touring production of Chicago The Musical. The magnificent cast includes Strictly’s Janette Manrara as Roxy Hart, Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton, Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, and Dan Burton as lawyer Billy Flynn who all deliver an outstanding show full of energy, sophistication and intrigue.
The Royal Concert Hall has a generous stage, perfect for a production of this scale. There are so many little details and things going on on stage that you don’t want to miss!. Even on Monday night this huge theatre was packed and there wasn’t a spare seat in sight!
The orchestra, led by Neil MacDonald, is at the centre, with drums, double bass, banjo, trumpet, and reeds providing a strong musical accompaniment to the powerful vocals of the classic songs.
Set in Chicago in the steamy 1920’s. kicking off with the opening number we meet the six merry murderesses of Cook County Jail, led by Velma Kelly, singing Cell Block Tango detailing how the men in their lives met their fate. Meanwhile, Roxy Hart has shot her lover, who has walked out on her, and her husband Amos Hart, played by Joshua Lloyd, refuses to take the blame due to his wife’s infidelity so she finds herself joining them.
The secret weapon in the jail is Mama Morton who, for a fee, can help the ladies navigate their media, where murder is big money and she acts as their booking agent for future work in vaudeville theatre. She knocks out the classic “When You’re Good to Mama” with her incredible vocals and stage presence.
Kelly is jealous of Hart getting all the attention and also stealing her lawyer, Billy Flynn, who will reinvent a story to suit his client in exchange for a hefty fee. Burton plays Flynn to perfection as smooth talking and charismatic. Kelly, who murdered her sister and husband who were having a secret affair, decides her best plan will be to persuade Roxy to partner up with her in a duet when they are both free. Roxy however, high on the media buzz (and encouraged by attention she is getting from soft hearted Mary Sunshine played by Jordan Lee Davies), has other ideas!
Chicago is a classic musical and one that really has everything – from brilliant catchy songs such as All That Jazz, that you recognise immediately (Mr Cellophane sung by Amos Hart is a favourite of mine) and is also an interesting story with a few gentle twists and lots of sass and sex appeal. Classic themes of murder, greed, violence, exploitation and corruption combine with humour and a lot of high kicking guarantees a brilliant night out. Grab your ticket whilst you still can for this amazing production!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets start at £22.50. On Stage until 12 April 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND