Chicago at Cliffs Pavilion Southend Review
Chicago
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
27 June to 2 July 2016
Reviewed by Claire Turner
I’m just back home after watching Chicago at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea and it was amazing! Much better than I remembered it was and a truly spectacular show.
“Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery… all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.“ There is a true story behind Chicago, the story of ‘Roxie Hart’, the devious chorus girl, who finds herself with a dozen other women on ‘murderess row’ after killing her lover!
It is a superb show with brilliant actors and actresses. Roxie Hart is usually played by Hayley Tamaddon but she was unfortunately poorly so understudy Lindsey Tierney took to the stage – you couldn’t tell she was the understudy – she played the part of Roxie brilliantly, her singing was faultless and she and Sophie Carmen-Jones worked wonderfully together.
The show starts with Velma Kelly (played by Sophie Carmen-Jones) with All That Jazz – a great singer and performer.
Matron ‘mama’ Moreton is played by X Factor winner Sam Bailey – she had the powerful voice you need for this part and got huge cheers from the audience.
Billy Flynn – the lawyer they all pay big bucks to clear their names is played by John Partridge and who knew he had that voice!!! Wow!
It’s a small set on the stage and it looked as though they didn’t have enough room to perform as the orchestra, led by Musical Director Ben Atkinson, took up most of the stage – that said they made use of the room and included the orchestra in the show from start to finish.
The whole cast were fantastic and took on each role with ease (some switching as it’s a fairly small cast). There were moments where the audience were laughing out loud and sometimes singing along. The orchestra kept the atmosphere along with the cast and the start of act 2 definitely showed us the ‘quirky’ side of the orchestra. One piece of advice – don’t leave before the VERY end – a few people thought it had finished but they missed it!!
The venue itself is easy to get to – we parked on the seafront (free after 6pm) and walked up the stairs to the very top!! We were slightly early so as it was a lovely evening we got drinks from the bar and sat outside – very peaceful and fantastic views. The staff were friendly & helpful.
It’s 5 out of 5 stars from me – I would definitely see it again.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £31.50 to £49 (booking fees may apply).
Chicago is at Cliffs Pavilion in Southend until 2 July 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01702 351135.
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135
