Chicago at the Regent Theatre
Christmas music might be blasting away in the shops but there is still time to sneak in a non-festive theatre treat with the glitz and glamour of much-loved musical Chicago is at the Regent Theatre. Review Mel Osborne
Starring Faye Brooks, Kevin Clifton with a special star appearance by 80s legend Sinitta Malone this promises to be a show not to miss.
Set in the roaring 20s Roxie Hart night club dancer and housewife, murders her on the side lover when he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction she employs the slickest lawyer in town.
What follows is a series of night club style acts that tell the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly’s battle for innocence and more importantly fame.
This current tour is directed by Charlie Martin who presents a powerful and energetic touring production of Chicago for 24/25.
(Main image: CHICAGO. Kevin Clifton (Billy Flynn) and Company. Photo Paul Coltas.)
Chicago has over the years become a bucket list production for theatre goers and like fine wine it certainly gets better with every viewing.
The dark satirical show which sings about the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ never ages.
However, when shows have been repeated many times there is a danger that actors will simply play the lines and sing the songs – this is not the case for this production.
Djalenca Scott makes the perfect Velma Kelly from the moment she opens the show with “All that Jazz” which is sung with wisdom and irony and sets the pace for the rest of the show.
Kevin Clifton played the part of Billy Flynn to perfection and was committed to the role of the fast talking, fast thinking lawyer.
Chicago works with a minimalist staging and on-stage band – which is all it needs.
The tight knit, high functioning cast who work together beautifully never miss a beat with the ultimate showstopper – “Cell block tango.”
Special mention must also go to Joshua Lloyd as downtrodden husband Amos, with the heartbreaking Mister Cellophane.
Despite all the glitter, high leg kicks and glorious routines the outcome of the show sticks in your throat and brings home the truth about media manipulation.
Chicago is certainly good, grand and great! If you haven’t seen it yet get it on your to do list and you will be razzle dazzling with the best of them.
5 Stars
Chicago is at The Regent in Hanley until Saturday 30 November. Ticket information can be found HERE
Sinitta Malone. Image By Tristram Kenton
