The world’s longest-running American musical, and winner of six Tony Awards and two Oliviers, sharply satirical musical Chicago is once again lighting up the West End.
After a 5 and a half year absence, and following an acclaimed UK and international tour, Chicago’s burst of Razzle Dazzle and All That Jazz returned in Spring 2018 to illuminate London’s Theatreland from the Phoenix Theatre.
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.
RuPaul’s Drag Race and American Idol star Todrick Hall plays the role of silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn, having returned to the show in November. He follows in the footsteps of the likes of Cuba Gooding Jr, Martin Kemp and Duncan James in the part.
We Will Rock You favourite Mazz Murray has also joined to play Mama Morton, while Love Island and The X Factor’s Caroline Flack takes on the iconic Roxie Hart. Josefina Gabrielle plays Velma Kelly, and Paul Rider plays Amos Hart.
Chicago originally ran in London for 15 years, making it the West End’s longest running revival. It first opened at the Adelphi Theatre on 18 November 1997 to rave reviews and immediately became a sell-out hit. It won the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production, as well as the 1998 Critics’ Circle Drama Award for Best Musical. The musical then transferred from the Adelphi Theatre to the Cambridge Theatre in April 2006, where it ran for five years until 27 August 2011. Chicago then opened at the Garrick Theatre on 7 November 2011, where it ran until 1 September 2012.
Since it opened in New York in 1996, Chicago has played in 36 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean. It has grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide and has played over 30,000 performances worldwide, with an estimated 31 million people around the world having seen Chicago. The production continues to play to packed-out audiences on Broadway, where it recently celebrated its 21st birthday.
Featuring sizzling Broadway choreography from Ann Reinking, in the style of Bob Fosse, and a beloved score including Razzle Dazzle, All That Jazz and the famous Cell Block Tango, a criminally good show lies in store.
Looking for more about Chicago? Check out our ‘Everything You Need To Know’ about Chicago guide!
Looking to see some musical theatre? Find out more about London musicals.