Chicago Review

New Wimbledon Theatre – until Saturday 21 May 2022 

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge  

5***** 

Set in the Razzle-Dazzle of the 1920’s – brings you the story of Chicago where six women are facing the death sentence in a city where murder is entertainment and everyone wants fame for all the wrong reasons! The story comes alive with Roxy (Faye Brookes) a nightclub dancer/housewife who murders her lover when he threatens to walk away from her. Thinking she has an easy way out with her husband Amos (Jamie Baughan) covering her story only for him to find out she’s not as innocent as she makes out. This causing friction, where tempers arise and with trust now gone, she finds herself stuck in the local jail for murder! With things looking down she turns to a well know lawyer Billy (Russell Watson) who with a large fee has the ability to manipulate the outside world using the power of the press to achieve an entertaining story of vulnerability that might just see her walk away with freedom but is that what she really wants.  

But with success comes competition and throughout she meets her match with another inmate Velma (Djalenga Scott) who wants to break free but when her way of freedom has taken a back step because of Roxy things begin to fire up and competition becomes intent. 

During this story-line the production offers a full scene of murder, greed, violence, corruption, and adultery with Roxy and Velma at the heart of it all offering the audience exceptional dance with a provocative manor that was magnificent to watch just sexy and captivating. So much talent and a connection that was unreal. 

Their voices alongside their acting were just a pleasure to take in whilst accompanied by an outstanding orchestra that was in full view that engaged with the audience throughout. 

The choreography was first class and so in sync was a delight to watch so much skill! 

What a tremendous over dramatised show that in my eyes was perfection. Totally astonishing and definitely one to watch!