Chicago The Musical At Sheffield Lyceum Theatre Review

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton

It certainly has it all on stage for you at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre. Murder, greed, violence, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery – this show certainly has everything one would expect from a newly released top ranking movie! Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history and it shows. There’s no need to tinker with anything. Just bring in new cast members and the show runs itself. The touring version is now going around and currently on stage at Sheffield Lyceum. As a splendid satire of corruption, the power of the press, lawyer greed, and the cheapness of life in Chicago as it was during the early 1900s – “Murder is almost an entertainment” – but most importantly this is a story of music and dance with each song extremely important to the plot. I simply cannot fault anything. The music, the costumes, the sound, the layout, the singing (BOY – the singing!)

This production started with a phenomenal opening scene with flawless singing and dancing from the cast, led by talented Djalenga Scott. Audiences were soon swept away by the talent and story on stage, enjoying the terrific show that it always is and realizing that a tale mostly set in prison, with six women facing execution, in fact, had a humorous side. A great feature of the theatre is that the fifteen-piece orchestra is visible throughout, seated in raked seating right up to the top of the arch, so the full experience is right at your fingertips. A jazz nightclub experience complete with clever lighting is made even better by the fact that every whisper was audible throughout the auditorium. Furthermore, I enjoyed the way the musicians were given the chance to show us how good they are in the little Entr’acte between Acts 1 and 2.

There are two “Merry Murderesses” in the story: Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, who rely on their lawyer Billy Flynn to persuade a jury that they are innocent. Flynn will do this for a high fee no matter the results! There is a good contrast between these two, emphasizing the rivalry and jealousy that exists between them. The smouldering sexiness of Djalenga Scott’s Velma (and her wonderful velvet voice and great stage presence) contrasts with Faye Brookes Roxie’s vulnerability and occasional temper tantrums. It was a fantastic scene where Flynn sits her on the knee like a dummy and gives them the spiel through her mouth to avoid her giving the wrong impression to the reporters. Lee Mead is convincing as Flynn, the lawyer out only for money, however there is an attractive side as well which softens the image, and he can certainly hold a note, either musical or monetary. As Roxie’s not-very-bright husband Amos, Jamie Baughan achieved the biggest laugh and sympathy with his “Mr. Cellophane” tale of not being noticed.

It was unfortunate that Brenda Edwards didn’t appear in this evening’s production, but Michelle Andrews did a fantastic job as wardress Mama Morton – her stage presence is extraordinary, and her performances of “Class”, regretting today’s loss of manners, are excellent, regardless of Velma’s status. Musicality, lyrics, and dancing are all key features of the show, with Ann Reinking’s choreography (in the distinctive style of Bob Fosse) elevating the performance to outstanding levels.

Rating: 5/5 for this production running at the Sheffield Lyceum until the 9th July.

Ticket prices start from £15.00 and can be purchased here https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/book/instance/329407.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this fantastic night out!