Review: Chicago at The Regent Theatre*

Enter a world of jazz, crime, and razzle dazzle with the current touring production of Chicago as it arrives at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent for one week only.

Last night I found myself back in the roaring 1920’s in the city of Chicago where I witnessed a murder! Wannabe vaudeville star Roxie Hart has killed her lover Fred Casely in a fit of rage when he tried to end their affair but rather than shatter her dreams, her arrest just might become her ticket to fame… Desperate to avoid conviction, Roxie dupes her adoring husband, the public, the media and her ‘rival’ cellmate by hiring Chicago’s best criminal lawyer Billy Flynn who sets about transforming her crime into front page headlines. Just how far will she go to avoid the gallows?

Classical tenor Russell Watson absolutely shines as showman lawyer Billy Flynn, Three Degrees’ lead singer Sheila Ferguson plays a fabulous Mama Morton – the sassy matron down at the Cook County Jail, and TV actor Jamie Baughan, of The Bill, Casualty and EastEnders’ fame plays dim-witted yet devoted husband Amos Hart.

It was leading ladies Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart that really stole the show though and brought “all that jazz” with their scintillating dance routines, superb acting – including very convincing accents – and outstanding vocal talents. Their onstage chemistry was incredibly convincing and every tight choreographed dance move they performed together was expertly in sync. I honestly couldn’t write a single negative thing – they didn’t miss a beat.

The fast-paced script, legendary choreography devised by the late great Bob Fosse and unmistakeable score had the audience gripped throughout the show. There were cries of sympathy – and a few giggles at Baughan’s haplessly innocent Amos, gasps at the hilarious plot twists and plenty of toe-tapping and seat dancing to legendary songs including All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and Mr. Cellophane. Having the orchestra positioned on stage really made you feel you were watching a vaudeville variety show with Musical Director Andrew Hilton often introducing the next act and interacting with the cast as they belted out song after song retelling Roxie’s misadventures – which I learned, were actually based on a true story. Definitely pick up a programme at the theatre to read more about the crimes of murderesses Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner who inspired the original play which was written by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins who covered the 1924 trials.

This is definitely a highlight for The Regent this year so grab a ticket while you can – it’d be a crime not to!

When can I watch Chicago?

Chicago is running at The Regent Theatre until Saturday, 19 March 2022 with nightly performances at 7.30pm plus Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm matinees.

How much are tickets and how do I book?

Tickets are priced from £13 – £47.50 and are available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

Chicago the Musical

Chicago is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history and has been enjoyed by 33 million people around the world. Despite opening to mixed review upon its 1975 premiere, in the nearly 50 years since, the songs, choreography and story have become an iconic part of musical theatre history.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?

Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

About the Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1999 and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

Tips / Information

• Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment
• Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park has a single charge of £1.50 from 6pm to it closes at 11.30pm
• Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
• There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
• There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
• Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
• Accessible toilets are available

Review by: Libby Dallimore

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Review: We Will Rock You The Musical at The Regent Theatre

Footloose The Musical heads to The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent

Review of The Full Monty performed at The Regent Theatre

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.

Photos copyright: The Regent Theatre/Chicago/Tristram Kenton