Chicago The Musical At The Regent Theatre, Stoke Review

Reviewed by H Chan 

If you want to be razzle dazzled, (and trust me you will be thoroughly razzled) then this is the perfect musical for you!

From our seats in the stalls my friend and I had a brilliant view of the stage. Not only could we see everything going on (and you really want to be able to see absolutely everything) but the sound quality was perfect all the way through, the voices by the actors really clear. I’ve never seen Chicago on stage before and it really did not disappoint!

Set in the 1920’s, following Chicago’s Jazz club scene, this musical has everything. Fabulous and very risqué costumes (not for younger audiences), and a lot of very sexy and suggestible dancing paired with perfect choreography. The dancers perfectly portrayed the era and not only were they great with their footwork but their singing was spot on.

The live band were phenomenal and really stood out for me. We could see them the whole time on stage and they played the whole way through. The show really wouldn’t have been the same without them and I loved how they had them in view and utilised them in the story.

The show starts with Velma, played by Djalenga Scott, singing All That Jazz which was such a flawless performance and really set the mood and energy for the rest of the show. Her voice is stunning, her moves on stage even more so. The show follows the life of her and of Roxie Hart played by Faye Brookes, their lives and criminal trials. Without giving too much away, expect murder, betrayal and violence which was actually only hinted at, you don’t physically see any on stage violence, it is done in such a clever way. The hanging scene heartbreaking but again, nothing physically shown only hinted at and assumed by the reactions of those on stage and the build up by the music.

Both leading ladies really stood out for me but I particularly loved the performance of Sheila Ferguson as Mama. In just one song you could grasp her whole influence over the girls in prison and how they all fit in together. Her voice was amazing and now I have seen her performance it would be very difficult to accept anyone else in the role. The show is worth seeing to hear her singing When you’re good to Mama and her duet with Djalenga gave me goosebumps.

The press scene featuring Russell Watson as Billy Flynn, was one of my favourite scenes and had the audience on the edges of their seats as they danced and sang to *We both reached for the gun* how the dancers kept up I will never know, their timing spot on.

There were no small roles, all of the cast had something within the show to make them stand out, my heart really went out to Roxie’s husband Amos and I am sure most of the audience felt the same. Even though the raunchy Roxie won the jury and had everyone eating out of the palm of her hand with her adorableness I am so glad Amos was able to get away from her in the end.

You will laugh, you might cry, but you will certainly love this show with this cast! I couldn’t imagine the cast being better. A full 5 out of 5 stars from me, I would give it 10 if I could and would 100% see it again given the opportunity.
I think the Cell Block Tango will be in my head for at least the next week! Also I have to mention that I was very impressed by the program which gives a background to the real people who influenced the writing of the original play and the extra information into the 1920’s mob scene. I love it when programs add pieces like this as it really adds to how amazing and timeless the show really is. You didn’t need to live in the 20s to understand what was going on.

Rating: 5/5

Ticket prices begin at £13 plus booking fee and can be found here. The show runs until Sunday 19th so don’t delay in grabbing those tickets, you don’t have to be a musical fan!