Photo credit Paul Coltas
The Regent is transformed into 1920’s Illinois as ‘Chicago’ brings the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ for what is to be a sensational week on its leg of the latest UK tour.
Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring sleazy criminal lawyer Billy Flynn to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.
From the outset you are instantly transported with the unforgettable score by Kander and Ebb. ‘All That Jazz’ opens the production and the bar is set high and remains there throughout. This was soon followed by ‘Cell Block Tango’ perfectly demonstrating the harmonisation and choreography which was captivating.
The two leads of Roxie and Velma were played by Faye Brookes and Djalenga Scott respectively. Both giving powerhouse performances and were a perfect pairing. Brookes leading the audience along with monologues giving us an insight into the fairly open ‘you see what you get’ of Roxie. Meanwhile Scott gives an air of mystery to Velma’s complex character , but together their song and dance numbers were electric. They delivered time and again with their fantastic vocals, movement and stage presence.
Kevin Clifton of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fame played lawyer Billy Flynn. Unsurprisingly he never put a foot wrong with his choreography, however his vocals and character acting were also equally as proficient. He was particularly good in ‘We Both Reached For The Gun’ (as was Faye Brookes) playing the puppet master with Brookes dangling waiting for her words and actions to be manipulated.
Other cast members included Joshua Lloyd who gave a great performance of ‘Mr. Cellophane’ showing his self pity at being the downtrodden and manipulated husband of Roxie. Famed 80s singer Sinitta Malone played prison warden come talent agent Mama Morton and was particularly good during ‘When You’re Good To Mama’. Jordan Lee Davis played Mary Sunshine with aplomb, particularly with a brilliant rendition of ‘A Little Bit Of Good’.
The ensemble were also absolutely brilliant. A constant on the stage throughout, with fantastic harmonies and wonderful dance moves, they were a key support throughout. Moments during ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Razzle Dazzle’ and during the court scene just to name a few where they were key to the action and delivery.
The live band were centre stage on a tiered platform throughout with the action going on all around them (and sometimes with them) adding to the feel of a 1920’s jazz club.
Aside from the setting of the band the staging was few. The iconic chairs off to the side, were used to good effect and full height ladders moved onto the stage occasionally from the wings and that was about all. However, this was really all that was needed, again adding to the feel of a 1920’s jazz club, but also the choreography and particularly the ensemble filled the stage and provided the constant movement and change of environment.
Chicago is an immersive experience that is not to be missed. Killer soundtrack performed by a live band with sensational vocals and choreography. It’s sassy, classy and definitely razzled and dazzled us!
The production is on until 30th November with two matinee performances. Tickets are available from the box office or online here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/chicago/regent-theatre/
Photo credit Tristram Kenton
