As if having Michelle Visage in the West End wasn’t enough excitement for RuPaul fans, today it’s been announced that Todrick Hall will be the new Billy Flynn in Chicago from 19 November!
The series regular on RuPaul’s Drag Race is well-known for being a semi-finalist on American Idol and his YouTube channel which has 2.9 million subscribers. But he’s no stranger to the stage as he’s also known for his Broadway turns. His most notable roles are Lola in Kinky Boots and Billy Flynn in Chicago – the very role he will be playing at the Phoenix Theatre.
Todrick will be taking over the role from Duncan James. He will be joining Sarah Soetaert who will be playing Roxie Hart, replacing Alexandra Burke who ends her run on 10 November. He will also star alongside Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart.
Todrick will be completing the run at the Phoenix Theatre which ends on 5 January 2019.
Chicago is based on Maurine Dallas Watkins’ 1926 play of the same name. Set in prohibition Chicago, the show tells the story of two rival performers – and murderesses – locked up in the same County Jail, and satirises corruption within the criminal justice system. Expect sexy, sassy and dangerously seductive songs, dance and events to unfold.
Chicago returned to London in March this year following a UK tour. The winner of two Olivier Awards originally ran in the West End for 15 years.
Todrick announced his West End debut via Instagram shortly after the news broke. It seems like he can’t wait to come to town… and neither can we!