Photo: Paul Coltas
Flawless flirtatious perfection!
The Sheffield Lyceum hosts one of the biggest musical triumphs of all time, over 50 international awards – Grammy, Olivier, Tony, the longest running American Musical. We are greeted by a bare stage except a spot lit single chair and a Bowler hat, enter one performer, sassy, sexy, seductive, sensual, sinuous, sophisticated and slinky and so it begins… ‘Murder, Greed, Corruption, Exploitation, Adultery, Treachery… all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts… Thank you’. It could only be Kander and Ebb’s Chicago. Originally directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse in 1975, this UK touring production stays true to his genius giving us the instantly recognisable, classic tone and style. Based on the true story as reported in the Chicago Tribune in spring of 1924 of Mrs Beulah Annan (renamed Roxie Hart) and Mrs Belva Gaertner (renamed Velma Kelly), who were both acquitted of murder – 90 years later media manipulation in the justice system continues to seem all too familiar. And it has to be said that the audience at Sheffield were well and truly manipulated by this Cast – they are magicians – purely magical!
The set is simple, the 10 strong orchestra under the musical direction of Neil MacDonald are as front and fore on stage as is the Jazz music. They are part of this production and play a vital role with their total involvement in the storyline. What is important in this story is highlighted – the dynamics and the personas and the audience are so invested in the story/action, props and set are not needed to suspend disbelief. The costumes add to the sultry spectacle, as well as the 1920’s black and white era with sexy black leather, lace and fishnet fashioned to titillate and screaming Fosse’s prior influences within his choreography. The whole cast are outstanding in their performance, without a doubt the most exceptional version of the show I have seen (and I have seen it a many times and directed it myself, twice!)
Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart gives an exceptionally detailed and comedic performance with energy and vigour. Her vocals are strong and her rendition of Funny Honey and We both reached for the Gun are from different ends of the emotional spectrum but both are masterclasses in delivery. Me and My Baby is acutely funny and Brookes facial expressions are hilarious. Velma Kelly played by Djalenga Scott oozes class with her rendition of All That Jazz and is mesmerising in When Velma takes the Stand. Their duets My Own Best Friend and Nowadays are riveting and these two lead ladies complement each other beautifully. Kevin Clifton breezes the role of Billy Flynn with panache and his dance skill is, as expected, on point! Joshua Lloyd does a brilliant job of painting the forlorn and indistinguishable Amos Hart and his Mr Cellophane is done with likeable ease and control. The Mama Morton role is totally dominated by the formidable Brenda Edwards who finds an additional caring and softer side to the character. When You’re Good to Mama steals the show with a powerhouse interpretation and vocal. Jordan Lee Davies is in his element as Mary Sunshine and the reveal frames the versatility of this performer.
The ensemble of Jessica Keable, Annabelle Laing, Victoria Anderson, Bethany Adamson, Lucy-Anne Stacey, Ria Tanaka, George Olney, Josh Crowther, Robin Kent, Matthew Sweet, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathon Milton, Joe Dale, Oliver Ramsdale and Elly Shaw complete the Cast and are not only terrific dancers with boundless stamina and energy but they are also exceptional storytellers. This cast never just go through the motions. The show feels raw and electric, fast and furious but acutely stylish and sophisticated. In fact – fabulously and ferociously flawless!
You really must catch the Hottest show in Town at the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 1st February 2025. I am full of admiration for this production – it is truly is…. Magical, Musical, Magnificent, Murderous Manipulation…!
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 28 January 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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