Van Outen's Roxie Days Sadly Numbered???

Contrary to speculation, Denise Van Outen will definitely not be extending in the hit musical Chicago beyond 15 September 2001. Her six-week extension to her initially contracted and "strictly limited" 16 weeks caused frustration for some theatregoers who'd booked for her original "last night" performance on 4 August. However, producers insist that the extension was a surprise (though welcome) to them. Van Outen's television commitments changed at the last minute and she asked to stay with the show that she was enjoying so much. Nevertheless, all good things must come to an end. A new Roxie Hart takes over from 17 September and, although Claire Sweeney (of Brookside/Big Brother fame) hasn't been ruled out for future consideration, it won't be her just yet. Instead, Australian-born Anita Louise Combe, whose West End credits include Saturday Night Fever and Sunset Boulevard, is due to assume the role. For any keen Van Outen followers, Chicago producers have offered to exchange tickets bought for 4 August to the actress' new last night on 15 September. The Adelphi Theatre box office awaits your call!

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