Chicago (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Chicago the Musical has been dazzling audiences for decades, whether in the West End, on Broadway, or touring across the UK. With its sultry jazz score, iconic choreography by Bob Fosse, and razor-sharp satire on fame and corruption, it remains one of the most recognisable and beloved musicals in theatre history. But while the current UK tour delivers plenty of strong performances and polished staging, it also feels like a production in need of a little reinvention.
The cast is undoubtedly the show’s strongest asset. Janette Manrara, best known from Strictly Come Dancing, brings a sparkly energy to Roxie Hart. She dances with precision and charisma, and her playful stage presence makes Roxie’s rise to fame feel believable. Opposite her, Djalenga Scott gives a powerful, magnetic turn as Velma Kelly, oozing confidence in every number. Their chemistry makes “Nowadays” and “Hot Honey Rag” a real highlight of the evening.
Joshua Lloyd is excellent as Amos Hart, delivering a heartfelt “Mr. Cellophane” that drew genuine warmth and sympathy from the audience. Meanwhile, Jordan Lee Davies makes a memorable Mary Sunshine, balancing comedy with soaring vocals. Together, this principal cast keeps the familiar story moving with energy and style.
The ensemble deserves particular praise. Chicago is a show that lives or dies on its ensemble work, and here the dancers shine. The choreography, all sharp angles, slick jazz hands, and sultry lines, is executed with impressive precision. Numbers like “Cell Block Tango” and “All That Jazz” still have that punch-you-in-the-gut impact that makes Chicago what it is.
But here’s the sticking point: this is very much the same Chicago audiences have seen for years. The minimalist staging, the all-black costumes, the iconic chair choreography- it all works, of course, but it hasn’t really evolved. For longtime fans, it’s like slipping into a familiar pair of shoes. For newcomers, it’s stylish and sharp. But in 2025, with so much happening in the world of celebrity, media, and corruption, the show’s themes feel ripe for a fresh take. Imagine a Chicago updated with modern parallels to social media culture, influencer scandals, or the obsession with instant fame, it could bring a whole new edge to a story that’s already so relevant.
That said, there’s no denying the production still delivers the iconic moments we know and love. The band on stage is brilliant, giving that brassy, bold sound that drives the show. The stripped-back staging also keeps the focus firmly on the performers, which works well for a show that thrives on attitude and precision.
Overall, this UK tour of Chicago is enjoyable, polished, and packed with strong performances. It’s faithful to the original vision, which is both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness. Fans of the musical will leave satisfied, but for those who’ve seen it before, it might feel a little too familiar. Perhaps it’s time for Chicago to take a daring step into something fresher, while still honouring the timeless brilliance of Fosse’s original.
★★★
Reviewed on 28th July 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Paul Coltas
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Chicago the Musical UK Tour review, Janette Manrara Roxie Hart, Djalenga Scott Velma Kelly, Joshua Lloyd Amos Hart, Jordan Lee Davies Mary Sunshine, Chicago musical cast 2025, UK touring musicals review, Chicago the Musical choreography.
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