Chicago - Garrick Theatre

Review Summary

Average Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 4 review(s)



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Age Restriction: Recommended for children aged 12 and over. Children under 4 will not be admitted.

The hit show “Chicago” has taken on many different forms over the years, from its origins as a 1920s play to its current incarnation as one of the best known musicals in the world, with a hit movie version amongst the other productions to appear over the years as well. It is a testament to the timelessness of the story that audiences continue to flock to the production more than 80 years since the original tale was told onstage and it is likely that this success will continue for the foreseeable future as audiences head to show’s new home the Garrick Theatre in the West End.

“Chicago” follows the story of Roxie Hart and her friendship with Velma Kelly behind bars. Reflecting the growing trend of the celebrity criminal in 1920s America, Hart wants nothing more than to be in the spotlight, but following the murder of her husband she has found all the attention for which she craved and for all the wrong reasons. Inside she meets Kelly, a Vaudevillian performer who had previously taken some drastic measures when she discovered her husband was having an affair with her sister. They both want to experience a life as huge stars and to realise their dreams they decide to make their bid for freedom, employing the help of sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn and making their case heard.

As a musical, “Chicago” features an array of well known songs as part of the performances, with the likes of “Funny Honey”, “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango” and “Me and My Baby” amongst those on offer. They are memorable classics and make the compelling story all the more spectacular.

The story was penned by a “Chicago Tribune” writer named Maurine Dallas Watkins in 1926 and the play that appeared in the Windy City would become one of the best known tales of the 20th century, especially when it was adapted into the hit musical it is known-for today. In 2002 it was also adapted into a musical movie, with Renée Zellweger portraying Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta-Jones playing Velma Kelly and Richard Gere taking on the role of Billy Flynn.

The production had been running at the Cambridge Theatre until August 2011 when it was replaced by “Matilda The Musical”. It now finds pride of place at the Garrick Theatre (from Monday 7th November 2011).