Chicago At Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

Chicago The Musical at Milton Keynes opened tonight Tuesday 8th March. It was a cold crisp night but I couldn’t see one empty seat. Unbelievably I have never seen the show or the film, nor had my partner, so we were both filled with excitement to see what all this jazz was all about.

When a show opens with a show stopping toe tapping all out tune like all that jazz, you surely know your in for a treat. This show is not for the faint hearted, ladies you are in for such a treat. Not one young man would I have not taken home, phew, the bodies on show tonight were hot hot hot! The story/plot is easy to follow and a tale told many times. Roxie Hart played wonderfully by Faye Brookes of Coronation Street fame, murders her boyfriend. The tale goes from there. Roxie meets Velma Kelly played by Djalenga Scott and the rest as they say is history.

I don’t think I have ever seen a musical with such amazing dancing. Congratulations to the whole cast, I didn’t see anyone put a foot wrong. They were simply mesmerising, the choreography quite simply stunning. The super sexy outfits helped but my my, what an amazing group of people. They had the whole audience in the palm of their hands such was the standard of the routines, I can’t imagine how many hours and hours it takes them to perfect the show.

It’s an all singing dancing production and one song after another keeps you entertained. You wonder how much better it can get then Matron Mama Morton played by none other than Sheila Ferguson comes on stage, my that lady can sing, she’s amazing, 74 years old and former member of the Three Degrees her voice is still standout stuff. Billy Flynn the lawyer, played by Russell Watson was fantastic, although my only complaint is he should have had more belt out numbers than he did! I don’t care if it wasn’t part of the script his voice is beyond amazing and I wanted to hear more of it.

Talking of outstanding, let’s talk about the wonderful wonderful orchestra, based unusually right on the stage they were front and centre all night. They didn’t disappoint. They were stunning and I could have listened to them all night. Live music is the heart of the show and being able to see the musicians on stage in amongst the actors and actresses, made the show for me. There was humour from them to and little touches which for me made all the difference.

Loved loved loved the glitter shower in razzle dazzle near the end of the second act, what an amazing sight, I wanted to jump and and give some jazz hands myself right there on the stage. Chicago is a little dark but extremely glamorous and sexy, for me, old school all singing all dancing entertainment. You surely will be entertained and won’t leave the theatre without a smile and humming for a least an hour …. All that jazz.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets from £13 plus £3.65 transaction fee

Chicago is at Milton Keynes Theatre 8 March to 12 March for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com or call the box office on 0844 871 7615

Milton Keynes Theatre 500 Marlborough Gate Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ