Chicago

This was Clive Dancey’s first venture into  directing adults and if you are going to cut your teeth on anything then why not go for a “Biggy!” The challenge of Chicago needed a well drilled cast who were used to working in a somewhat confined space, but with careful creative execution this is exactly what he got. The stark black setting, off set with cell block bars gave a minimalistic feel and the clean and classic letters of Chicago in red lights created a very dramatic effect. 

If the setting and props are stripped back to the minimum then one has to rely on effective lighting. This was well designed and took our eye exactly to the action.

Musical Director Daniel Ephgrave and his small orchestra integrated into the show well although there were a few times when those members of the cast who did not project their voices quite so well were overtaken and could not be heard.

Choreography was slick, and as Fosse-esque as you would expect. The Cell Block Tango was on pointe. Exactly what I would expect from Tammy Wall.

Velma Kelly was expertly played and danced by Sara Dinmore - I certainly believed that she would shoot both her sister and husband if they crossed her. Strong casting here. She had a great rapport with Roxy and Mama Morton, played by Katherine Foxworthy. ‘Class’ was fantastic and their voices really blended beautifully. 

Katherine Foxworthy looked to be enjoying every moment playing  Matron Mama Morton and I loved the comedy she achieved with the part and the nuances, however, I did feel that she needed to be aged somewhat as this fresh faced young actress looked too young to have experienced a life of manipulation and depravity in a late 1920’s jail. 

Roxie played by the very talented Tammy Wall simply blew me away. The song “I Know a Girl” was just amazing. The famous “Both Reached for the Gun” with Billy Flynn and the chorus was so strong and slick. Tammy’s characterization was simply beautiful and delicately done throughout, worthy of the West End.

Billy Flynn played by Carl Robinson again strong casting as the sleazy buck-making lawyer, holding on that long note while checking his bow tie and cuff links - brilliant.

Amos Hart played by Chris White was perfect for this role. A seasoned actor, he gave us a masterclass in insignificance, a very spectacular moment and one that had a very different feel from the rest of the show, gaining the audience’s sympathy. He played this role exactly as I imagined and I loved it. Congratulations.

Mary Sunshine played by Amanda Sayers, the tabloid reporter who always presumed that there was a little bit of good in everyone, including cold blooded killers, had the right impact on all her entrances. Normally played by a man in drag, you could tell Amanda really enjoyed playing the part.

Adam Beckman as the announcer gave a competent performance, with a twinkle in his eye that made us want to know more about what was coming next. Understated yet oh so necessary. Well done.

The cast were strong and there was not a weak link in the minor characters or ensemble. 

The women prisoners in ‘Cell Block Tango’ were all sexy, strong in character/pose and looked very striking in their various black outfits, all bringing out their personalities from protesting their innocence.

Shout out to Hunyak played by Jade Marriott. Jade`s accent was flawless - not a clue what she was saying (without googling it), but who cares? I could listen to her talk like that forever! Well done Jade.

Costumes throughout looked good and stylised.

I have seen this musical a few times and I enjoyed this exciting, energised and astute production just as much as when it first became available to amateurs.

 Congratulations to you all.

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