Chicago at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen


A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.


Almost three years ago this production was here previously https://5d-blog.com/chicago/ so it was intriguing to see how this performance would vary.  Faye Brookes is still Roxie Hart and Djalenga Scott is now Velma Kelly (last time she was our stand in understudy).  However Russell Watson has been changed to Kevin Clifton for the role of Billy Flynn, the lawyer.

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The only thing I spotted that was different from last time, other than the actors, was that I do not remember the orchestra taking the spotlight at the beginning of the second half previously.  They are such an integral part of the staging, but usually In darkness, so it was nice for them all to be lit up and get their chance to shine and receive applause purely for the orchestra.  Music as an essential part of any musical but sometimes the musicians do not get the recognition they deserve, so I thought this was a nice touch.

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One of my favourite numbers was when Billy the lawyer has Roxie as a ventriloquist doll on his lap when speaking to the court.  They coordinate so well together and its a wonderful metaphor for a lawyer putting words in the mouths of their client!

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In fact Billy gets some of the best dance routines, when he is with the ladies accused of murder in the jail singing All I Care About and they have huge white feathers all around him its very captivating.  He says he cares about love, when actually all he cares about is the five thousand dollar fee at the end of each case.

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The whole cast are spectacular, and well chosen for their roles.  There are some very eye catching moves and the Cell Block Tango is a wonderful way to introduce the inmates at the prison and let us know their various “crimes of passion”.  A special mention has to go to Brenda Edwards and her amazing vocals as Mama Morton who looks after the girls in the prison, in more ways than one!  Also to the very undermined character of Roxy’s poor husband Amos Hart, played by Joshua Lloyd.  When he sings his solo Mister Cellophane you just want to give him a big hug.

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As well as a wonderful show it has to be said the merchandise stand is hard to ignore too, I especially liked a black t-shirt with He Had It Coming written across the front in sparkly writing!  

Further information: https://chicagothemusical.com/uk-tour/


Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.


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