REVIEW: Chicago at the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham

Cheltenham

Last night I had the absolute pleasure of attending the opening night of Chicago at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham and I was blown away!

It’s not often that a show manages to tick all the boxes, but from the first few seconds of the opening number, I knew that we were in for a real treat, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The set design was simple, accommodating the large live band that played at the back of the stage, trumpets, trombones, piano and drums, all held together by a charismatic conductor. The musicians played an important role in punctuating scenes and building tension and they were absolutely spot on in helping to create the atmosphere required to whisk us back to Jazz-filled 1920s Chicago.

 

 

Due to the size required for the large band, the actual space for performing was relatively small and i wondered if this would affect the performance since at points the ensemble was quite large. I was wrong though. Carefully choreographed and stylised, every performer on stage was perfectly aware of space and moved seamlessly into position without issue, exploding with energy and holding control where required, in typical Fosse style.

Moving on to our leading ladies, Velma Kelly was played by the brilliant Djalenga Scott. Scott exuded the calm, confident and slick demeanour that represents Velma, as soon as she arrived on stage. Scott’s deep and rich voice perfectly encompassed the role and was a joy to listen to and a delight to watch.

Roxie Hart, played by Faye Brookes, was fantastic in her role. A master at slowly revealing Roxie’s character and portraying her madness with such wonderful comedic timing and humour that I wasn’t expecting, but massively enjoyed! Faye’s performance sparkled from start to finish and both myself and the audience around me, were hugely impressed.

 

The casting for this tour of Chicago was spot on, there were no weak links and so many strong performers. A special mention goes to Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart, Roxie’s long-suffering husband, who had the whole audience on his side. He gave a beautiful, heartfelt rendition of Mister Cellophane.

For me, a cast that can bring a show to life, on such simple staging, and make the audience feel, is a cast to go see. If you can get tickets to go see Chicago, do it! You will not be disappointed.

Review by Sam

 

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