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Simply perfect!
Last night we had the great pleasure of going to see the multi-award winning Chicago at the Liverpool Empire theatre as the show tours the country. Sometimes I feel that when musicals tour you get a slightly watered down version of what has been on stage in London – not this time!
For me the beauty of the show was the simplicity of the backdrop and the incredible brass band which took up half the stage. With only one minor costume change and the same set throughout, it meant your focus was purely on the great performance.
Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep off death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn, played by Russel Watson.
Velma, played by Djalenga Scott, was superb. The way she moved on stage meant you couldn’t take your eyes off her. An over the top attention seeking performer desperate for fame and fortune in an era before today’s social media.
Meanwhile, Faye Brookes (known for her role as Kate Connor in ITV’s Coronation Street) who played Roxie Heart, brought humour and naivety to the role. Her voice and dancing ability were incredible and I loved the interaction between the two.
Sheila Ferguson received a thundering response from the audience and was cast brilliantly as Mama.
The whole cast, of only 20, were simply superb, with fantastic vocals and choreography. All enhanced by the band, who unusually were centre stage of this production. They had an active role too, with the conductor being a part of numerous scenes and adding to the overall humour of the show.
Favourite scenes for me were Cell Block Tango, We both reached for the gun (fabulous puppet scene) and Razzle Dazzle – but to be honest I actually loved all of it. Every single bit.
A truly brilliant production which we would highly recommended. Although I’d leave your Mini Travellers at home for this one, with the recommended minimum age being age 13 plus. It’s a tad racy at times!
Chicago is on at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday 12 February before continuing its UK tour.
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