Chicago starring Strictly star Janette Manrara and singer and TV personality Sinitta opens at Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth
The cast of Chicago starring Strictly star Janette Manrara certainly razzle-dazzled the audience on the opening night of a week-long run at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre.
As the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history, Chicago has been captivating audiences since 1975.
Set amidst the glitz and corruption of 1920s Chicago, the story follows Roxie Hart (Manrara) as she joins forces with the city’s slickest lawyer Billy Flynn (Dan Burton) to talk her way out of a murder charge and become an overnight celebrity.
The show drips with cynicism and oozes glamour and seduction, with clever use of intimate lighting creating sharp lines and a sultry vibe, sexy black outfits wowing the audience, sharp and complex choreography, and beautiful, sassy women.
The secret to Chicago’s record-breaking success lies largely in the jazzy, unforgettable score, so it is only right that the orchestra takes centre stage, with the drama unfolding beneath them.
Manrara was brilliant as as the wreckless Roxie, disarmingly sweet, unapologetically manipulative, and vulnerable all at the same time. Known for her incredible dancing, she did not disappoint, with a definite highlight for me being the ‘ventriloquist’ act in which Billy controls the narrative.
Djalenga Scott is really believable as the ruthless fellow murderess and inmate Velma Kelly, another character wanting notoriety for all the wrong reasons. All eyes are on her as she effortlessly commands the stage with her acrobatic moves, flamboyant personality and devious ways.
Singer and TV personality Sinitta, who had hits in the ‘80s with So Macho and Toyboy, plays Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, delivering the powerhouse number ‘When You’re Good to Mama’. Her soulful, goosebump-inducing vocals brought about a well-deserved roar of applause.
Roxie’s gullible husband Amos (Joshua Lloyd) is the only character in the show whose motives are pure, so he succeeds in eliciting real sympathy with his wonderful rendition of Mister Cellophane.
Chicago’s gritty characters, joyful dancing and catchy tunes have enduring appeal; and the musical's exploration of corruption, media manipulation and the fickle obsession with celebrity is as relevant today as it was when it first premiered.
Chicago runs at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre until Saturday 5th April. For more information or to buy tickets, priced from £20, visit https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/chicago-2025 or call the box office on 0300 500 0595.
