Chicago

This multi award winning musical started life as a play of the same name written by courtroom reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins, the show book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, first performed on Broadway in 1975 running for 936 performances.

I call to the stand Director James Freeman, sir I put it to you that you have brought to your audience a finely crafted, beautifully stylised slick professionally presented production, in doing so have called on all of your skills and forged a strong team of fellow like-minded artisans to bring forth one hell of a show, your honour... Guilty as charged, next defendant.

Billy Flynn, captured to perfection by Rob Lawton, business like, knew his circus, great voice and stage presence, definitely razzle dazzled 'em.

Velma Kelly set the bar high from the get go, Katie Phizacklea gave a top draw performance. Sassy, ruthless and determined.

Roxie Hart, Lottie Morris, worked her fishnets off, played to the max, a brilliant performance.

Matron 'Mama' Morton, powerhouse performance from Lucy Birkin

Mary Sunshine, Charlie Marlow, hung on every word from Billy reporting exactly what he wanted her to.

Amos Hart, James Dawe, a beautiful rendition of Mr Cellophane, a classy Hartfelt performance indeed.

The whole cast are to be congratulated, all engaged, switching characters effortlessly, collective en-mass participation, superb singing, dancing, movement and stage craft throughout.

I must now draw your attention to evidence concerning Musical Director Allison Fisher. Is it true, please remember you're under oath, that you took it upon yourself to bring together a collection of eight of the finest, sleaziest sounding musicians, willing to lay themselves open to ooze superlative Jazz music onto a paying audience, did you also speak to said audience? I have no alternative other than to ask the jury to find you guilty on all charges.

Choreography is a vital element to this production and it was simply stunning. Gareth Ridge I salute you sir. The style, the sassy sleaze, the ultra slick movements which can only come from trained dancers as they slink from one number to the next, re-enforcing the dark corruption of the era, superb. The work ethic was off the chart and abundantly clear to see, the whole cast worked tirelessly as one to make this show spectacular.

The sound reproduction was excellent, minor first night niggles, nothing to cause annoyance or spoil the intimacy of the cast performances. Lighting was utterly sublime, the effects and atmosphere created really emphasised the action on stage without ever detracting from it.

Costumes were amazing, clever thoughtful additions and props to the costumes kept the pace and flow of the show going well, equally with the scene changes, slick, effortless and seamless.

This was live theatre at its very best, hot jazz music, sultry slick syncopated choreography, larger than life characters, wrapped up in dazzling costumes, lit to perfection and every nuance and gesture captured - A magnificently wonderful assault on the senses. And That's Jazzzzz!!

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