REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
CHICAGO
FROM MONDAY 3 MARCH 2025
AT CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
CHICAGO
FROM MONDAY 3 MARCH 2025
AT CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND
The Cliffs Pavilion, Southend was buzzing with anticipation at the opening night of Chicago last night. This was possibly due to the fact that it was Stricty Come Dancing's Janette Manrara’s turn to take over the iconic role of Roxie Hart in the equally iconic musical which boasts the music and lyrics of John Kander and Fred Ebb yet will forever be renowned for the sensationally stylised Bob Fosse choreography.
The 2002 film starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere gave the musical even more kudos and opened up to a wider audience where its relevance and themes constantly resonate.
“Set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.”
The first thing you notice about Janette Manrara is that she really is tiny, the second is that in playing the role of murderess, Roxie Hart, she’s actually pretty fierce and the third thing is, she’s extremely brave. I mean, what kind of actor would perform their first song, in their debut musical theatre appearance, 15 feet high straddling a ladder?! Yet there she is, knocking out the Funny Honey number like a fearless pro.
Manrara isn’t the only former Strictly dancer in the show as Kevin Clifton takes on the role of smart and sassy criminal lawyer, Billy Flynn, and does a surprisingly good job in the role as his character takes on the task of creating crafty alibis for the female prisoners who are under the watch of Mama Morton (played by Victoria Anderson with some lovely vocals) in order to fool the jury into setting them free. It’s great to see Clifton and Manrara as Billy and Roxie performing together and they do an impressive job in one of the show’s favourite numbers, We Both Reached For The Gun.
Having seen Chicago a few times now, I have to say I was completely blown away by this stand out production. The direction from Tânia Nardini and choreography from Gary Chryst, (from original New York Production direction and choreography by Walter Bobbie and Ann Reinking) takes on a spectacular new level with this company. The cast are so slick and on point; and under the musical direction of Neil Macdonald they knock out number after number with sultry ease in stunningly sexy black costumes - guys and gals - in what is possibly the most seductively alluring version of Chicago yet.
Combined with Ken Billington’s fabulous lighting and the backdrop of the orchestra busting out every tune, each number is a visual delight from the opening, with the fabulous Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly kicking off with the climatic All That Jazz. A role that she has really made her own.
The pace of show is constant and there’s never a dull moment; the Cell Block Tango is as sultry as ever and Billy’s All I Care About number is a feather filled showgirl delight.
Joshua Lloyd endears, just as Amos should, with a lovely version of Mr Cellophane and Jordan Lee Davis as quirky journalist, Mary Sunshine, really hits some crazy high notes which may have you wishing you’d brought your earplugs. That said, the overall volume of this show could do with ramping up a bit, but that’s my only niggle.
Needless to say this opening night had the audience on their feet for the curtain call and I think it’s safe to say that for her first ever musical, Manrara did good. Although she may not have the most powerful singing voice, there is a sweetness to it that has you hooked and she certainly gives a convincing performance of the narcissistic femme fatale in this mammoth leading role. It’s interesting to learn that the original play of Chicago, written by Maurine Watkins, was called The Brave Little Woman. It’s almost like it was meant to be.
The best moments, of course, are when she, along with the rest of this hugely talented cast and ensemble are dancing through each brilliantly choreographed and executed number. There aren’t too many shows lately that I can say I’d come back and see again the next night, but this one definitely is. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time of seeing this show, you won’t be disappointed with this razzle dazzling touring production of Chicago.
Review: Kim Tobin
The 2002 film starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere gave the musical even more kudos and opened up to a wider audience where its relevance and themes constantly resonate.
“Set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.”
The first thing you notice about Janette Manrara is that she really is tiny, the second is that in playing the role of murderess, Roxie Hart, she’s actually pretty fierce and the third thing is, she’s extremely brave. I mean, what kind of actor would perform their first song, in their debut musical theatre appearance, 15 feet high straddling a ladder?! Yet there she is, knocking out the Funny Honey number like a fearless pro.
Manrara isn’t the only former Strictly dancer in the show as Kevin Clifton takes on the role of smart and sassy criminal lawyer, Billy Flynn, and does a surprisingly good job in the role as his character takes on the task of creating crafty alibis for the female prisoners who are under the watch of Mama Morton (played by Victoria Anderson with some lovely vocals) in order to fool the jury into setting them free. It’s great to see Clifton and Manrara as Billy and Roxie performing together and they do an impressive job in one of the show’s favourite numbers, We Both Reached For The Gun.
Having seen Chicago a few times now, I have to say I was completely blown away by this stand out production. The direction from Tânia Nardini and choreography from Gary Chryst, (from original New York Production direction and choreography by Walter Bobbie and Ann Reinking) takes on a spectacular new level with this company. The cast are so slick and on point; and under the musical direction of Neil Macdonald they knock out number after number with sultry ease in stunningly sexy black costumes - guys and gals - in what is possibly the most seductively alluring version of Chicago yet.
Combined with Ken Billington’s fabulous lighting and the backdrop of the orchestra busting out every tune, each number is a visual delight from the opening, with the fabulous Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly kicking off with the climatic All That Jazz. A role that she has really made her own.
The pace of show is constant and there’s never a dull moment; the Cell Block Tango is as sultry as ever and Billy’s All I Care About number is a feather filled showgirl delight.
Joshua Lloyd endears, just as Amos should, with a lovely version of Mr Cellophane and Jordan Lee Davis as quirky journalist, Mary Sunshine, really hits some crazy high notes which may have you wishing you’d brought your earplugs. That said, the overall volume of this show could do with ramping up a bit, but that’s my only niggle.
Needless to say this opening night had the audience on their feet for the curtain call and I think it’s safe to say that for her first ever musical, Manrara did good. Although she may not have the most powerful singing voice, there is a sweetness to it that has you hooked and she certainly gives a convincing performance of the narcissistic femme fatale in this mammoth leading role. It’s interesting to learn that the original play of Chicago, written by Maurine Watkins, was called The Brave Little Woman. It’s almost like it was meant to be.
The best moments, of course, are when she, along with the rest of this hugely talented cast and ensemble are dancing through each brilliantly choreographed and executed number. There aren’t too many shows lately that I can say I’d come back and see again the next night, but this one definitely is. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time of seeing this show, you won’t be disappointed with this razzle dazzling touring production of Chicago.
Review: Kim Tobin
David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce that former Strictly Come Dancing professional and TV Presenter Janette Manrara will join the UK and Ireland tour of CHICAGO as Roxie Hart, making her musical theatre debut. Janette will open at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Monday 3 March 2025.
Janette said today, “This is a dream come true! To have my musical theatre debut be playing the iconic Roxie Hart is so exciting. She is a beautifully complex character, and I cannot wait to bring my ‘Roxie’ to the stage. I truly look forward to working with the incredible cast and the whole team of one of the best musicals of all time. Looking forward to seeing everyone that comes to the show and giving them a real ‘razzle dazzle’ of a show!”
Janette joins West End leading lady Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, alongside Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine.
The cast is completed by Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, Josh Crowther, Joe Dale, Jessica Keable, Robin Kent, Annabelle Laing, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathan Milton, George Olney, Oliver Ramsdale, Elly Shaw, Lucy Anne Stacey, Matthew Sweet and Ria Tanaka.
Janette Manrara is best known for having been on Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the finals with HRVY, as well as co-hosting BBC2’s It Takes Two and hosting the Strictly Live tour across the UK. Her previous theatre credits include the Broadway and international tour of Burn the Floor, as well as UK touring productions A Christmas To Remember, Remembering Fred, Remembering the Movies and a streamed version of Remembering the Oscars, all with her husband Aljaž Škorjanec. Janette is also an author, having released her debut book, ‘Tiny Dancer, Big World’.
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.
Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.
Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean. Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 35,000 performances.
CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The current 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.
Janette said today, “This is a dream come true! To have my musical theatre debut be playing the iconic Roxie Hart is so exciting. She is a beautifully complex character, and I cannot wait to bring my ‘Roxie’ to the stage. I truly look forward to working with the incredible cast and the whole team of one of the best musicals of all time. Looking forward to seeing everyone that comes to the show and giving them a real ‘razzle dazzle’ of a show!”
Janette joins West End leading lady Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, alongside Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine.
The cast is completed by Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, Josh Crowther, Joe Dale, Jessica Keable, Robin Kent, Annabelle Laing, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathan Milton, George Olney, Oliver Ramsdale, Elly Shaw, Lucy Anne Stacey, Matthew Sweet and Ria Tanaka.
Janette Manrara is best known for having been on Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the finals with HRVY, as well as co-hosting BBC2’s It Takes Two and hosting the Strictly Live tour across the UK. Her previous theatre credits include the Broadway and international tour of Burn the Floor, as well as UK touring productions A Christmas To Remember, Remembering Fred, Remembering the Movies and a streamed version of Remembering the Oscars, all with her husband Aljaž Škorjanec. Janette is also an author, having released her debut book, ‘Tiny Dancer, Big World’.
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.
Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.
Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean. Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 35,000 performances.
CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The current 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.
CHICAGO UK TOUR – 2025 TOUR LISTINGS
MONDAY 3 – SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2025
CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND
www.trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
TUESDAY 11 – SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2025
BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE, DUBLIN
www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 17 – SATURDAY 22 MARCH 2025
GRAND OPERA HOUSE, BELFAST
www.goh.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 31 MARCH – SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025
PAVILION THEATRE, BOURNEMOUTH
www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 7 – SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2025
ROYAL CONCERT HALL, NOTTINGHAM
www.trch.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 14 – SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2025
THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM
www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 21 – SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025
HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO
www.hallforcornwall.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
TUESDAY 29 APRIL – SATURDAY 3 MAY 2025
VENUE CYMRU, LLANDUDNO
www.venuecymru.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 5 – SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF
www.wmc.org.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 12 – SATURDAY 17 MAY 2025
MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY
www.marlowetheatre.com
Casting to be announced.
MONDAY 19 – SATURDAY 24 MAY 2025
BRISTOL HIPPODROME
www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome
Casting to be announced.
MONDAY 9 – SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025
NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE
www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 16 – SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2025
CURVE, LEICESTER
www.curveonline.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 23 – SATURDAY 28 JUNE 2025
GRAND THEATRE, WOLVERHAMPTON
www.grandtheatre.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 30 JUNE – SATURDAY 5 JULY 2025
HULL NEW THEATRE
www.hulltheatres.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 7 – SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025
CONGRESS THEATRE, EASTBOURNE
www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 14 – SATURDAY 19 JULY 2025
THEATRE ROYAL, NORWICH
www.norwichtheatre.org
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 21 – SATURDAY 26 JULY 2025
WINTER GARDENS, BLACKPOOL
www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 28 JULY – SATURDAY 2 AUGUST 2025
NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 4 – SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 2025
SUNDERLAND EMPIRE
www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 11 – SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 2025
HAWTH THEATRE, CRAWLEY
www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 18 – SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2025
KING’S THEATRE, GLASGOW
www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
MONDAY 25 – SATURDAY 30 AUGUST
LOWRY, SALFORD
www.thelowry.com
Starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart. Casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton to be announced soon.
BIOGRAPHIES
Djalenga Scott returns to the role of Velma Kelly, having previously starred in the UK and international tours. Her West End credits include Lily St Regis in Annie at the Piccadilly Theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the New London and Chicago at the Adelphi, Cambridge and Garrick Theatres. Her other credits include Anita in the national tour of West Side Story, Rizzo in Grease at Curve Leicester, Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show and Carmen in Fame, both on European tours, the US tour of Batman Live and Bombalurina in Cats at Kilworth House. Djalenga’s screen credits include Scarlett/Esme in Trapped for the BBC and Alexandra in the film I Give It A Year.
Joshua Lloyd’s theatre credits include the UK and Ireland tour of The Lion King and Choir of Man on UK and international tours.
Jordan Lee Davies most recently appeared in La Cage aux Folles at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Additional theatre credits include the original cast of Bat Out of Hell at the Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and international tour, The Book of Mormon on UK and international tour, Chess at the London Coliseum and Les Misérables at the Queens Theatre.