Reader Reviews
Chicago (Adelphi Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I saw this on the 21st. It's a shame the previous poster didn't leave going until this week as it was brilliant. Darius has been back as Billy Flynn since Sat. 17th and the whole cast gelled really well. It was one of the most enjoyable shows I've seen. The whole cast were so full of life and in brilliant voice, it was infectious. - 80.3.32.6) | 30 Jun 06 |
| I saw it last week at the Cambridge, and thought it was very bad. Bonnie was ok, Amra was good. Everybody else was weak. The audience seemed bored and it wasn't even half full. The terrible ensemble doesn't help. Total recast please. - 86.139.22.248) | 20 Jun 06 |
| Excellent show on Saturday, The new Billy Flynn was especially good. Worth seeing again. - 83.67.34.90) | 19 Jun 06 |
| One word terrible! What an night. Saw Saturday's show in a very empty house. At the moment the show is bad and looks tired. - 82.138.209.34) | 13 Jun 06 |
| A brilliant show! One of the best i've seen in the west end. Only thing that ruined it for me was Bonnie Langford. She can dance and sing, but just looked so old and out of place on stage. The msuical numbers were great and everyone had so much energy even in the sweltering heat. - 195.92.35.134) | 13 Jun 06 |
| I totally agree with comments about the positive reviews. Obviously these reviews are very suspicious!! Definitely same person. Saw the show this Saturday and horrified. Have seen the film and current cast on Broadway and was very ashamed of our West End guys. The leads are ok but the ensemble not. Anybody who knows Bob Fosse's work would feel the same. It's disappointing to read these reviews just being patriotic and supportive and slagging off Billy Flynn for being Italian. I suggest whoever it is to get lost!!! It's not worth the money. - 86.139.22.248) | 11 Jun 06 |
| Please will someone check out these e-mail addresses. I have commented before, only when I've seen the show & look now to see what is going on. The bad reviews are all the same too So lets give these artists a chance & stop being bitchy. The Understudays are going through it now. Cameron is fine - 212.100.250.218) | 11 Jun 06 |
| I was thinking the very same thing. A lot of the 5 stars reviews are the same! Very suspicious. It used to be a great show but it's not very entertaining anymore. The cast look bored. I saw it last week with Cameron Leigh as Roxie she was terrible. - 86.139.22.248) | 10 Jun 06 |
| Yes, see what you mean about a sad person posting/slagging off. Compare 5 stars reviews. Some virtually identical, including mis-spellings. Hmmmmm. I smell a rat. I'm just saying read these reviews with a large heap of salt. - 86.139.22.248) | 10 Jun 06 |
| I saw CHICAGO last week for the 3rd time in London. I have seen it in other countries. I have to say that Natalie Edmunds was the worst Velma I've ever seen. She is a very incompetent performer. The rest of the cast were also bad. Brenda Edwards was terrible as Mama, can't act. Bonnie Langford was so so, the rest of the company quite bad. Billy Flynn was difficult to understand. A bland evening. - 86.139.22.248) | 10 Jun 06 |
| Hey! I saw chicago for only the second time last week. It was just fantastic. Brenda was good. she has a great voice and has the perfect attitude for the part. Jenny Gayner was good as Hunyak. But an amazing performance has to go to Velma Kelly, who was payed by the 2nd understudy Natalie Edmunds. Theres only one word that sums up her performance - SENSATIONAL! Boy that girl can definately sing and dance. Man she should be on Broadway. Forget 2nd understudy, she should be Velma Kelly all the time. - 172.142.26.192) | 09 Jun 06 |
| Yeah i agree with you, who ever is writing these negative comments is obviously very bitter, and they all sound like they're coming from the same person. If i were them i would be very careful, they're treading on very thin ground. Look before you type the reviews it says (Whatsonstage.com is aware of some abuse of this section of the site. We are monitoring the situation closely and collecting IP addresses to identify repeat offenders. Multiple postings from the same source may be removed.) You have been warned! - 172.142.26.192) | 09 Jun 06 |
| really cant understand what ppl r talkin about?whats with the bad reviews,it was awesome,natalie edmunds the worst velma kelly??no she wasn't she's the best velma kelly ive seen so far!this must be just where the jelousy kicks in! - 81.156.101.107) | 09 Jun 06 |
| I saw CHICAGO last week for the 3rd time in London. I have seen the production in other cities. I have to say that Natalie Edmunds was awful as Velma. She is an incompetent performer. Doesn't look good either. The rest of the cast were bad as well. Brenda Edwards was very bad as Mama Morton, good voice but her acting is wooden. Bonnie Langford was ok, the rest of the company quite bad. Billy Flynn was difficult to understand. A dreadful evening. - 86.139.22.248) | 06 Jun 06 |
| this is the 8th time i have seen chicago in the west end and i think that Natalie edmunds was the most phenominal velma kelly,what a dancer,what a singer, can't fault her at all,all you people who sais she was robotic etc,you really don't know what your talking about,id make sure i was there for every performance she does,she should be given the role opf velma kelly permanantly!well done natalie!absolutely fantastic performance,you showed them all what talent is! - 86.130.184.227) | 05 Jun 06 |
| I'm really surprised at how good some reviews are. Saw it 3rd June at the Cambridge and it was awful. Didn't like cameron Leigh as Roxie. - 82.138.209.34) | 05 Jun 06 |
| Saw 3rd June and thought Cameron Leigh was a very weak understudy for Roxy. The theatre was quite empty and the atmosphere non existant. This show has really gone down hill in the last couple of years. - 86.139.22.248) | 04 Jun 06 |
| Saw the show last Thursday 1 June, Loved every minute of it! Bonnie and Amra were both fantastic, maybe looked a bit old compared to the stunning cast. Saw it last year but think it has improved. - 62.254.64.17) | 04 Jun 06 |
| I don't understand some of the reviews on here being so good - I saw it on June 3rd and it was awful. Bonnie Langford wasn't performing and her understudy was quite dull. Luca Barbareschi, who plays Billy Flynn, is an odd choice. He's funny in the role, but not brilliant. Would see it afain any time soon. - 86.139.22.248) | 04 Jun 06 |
| *Speechless* Went to see the show last night and it was utterly AMAZING! I thought Bonnie Langford completely stole the show, as if she owned it, she was just amazing! Amazing voice, amazing dancing, she had the whole package! Really, i don't know what they were thinking when they said it was boring, awful or half-empty... - 82.43.81.33) | 03 Jun 06 |
| Perhaps this show is about to improve Ive heard the great Daius Danesh is coming back to play the part of Billy Flynn cant wait - 80.5.160.9) | 03 Jun 06 |
| I only logged on to this web site by chance having seen this show & Guys & Dolls. You don'tget this bitching with their reviews. Please give the show a chance it's very entertaining - 83.138.136.92) | 03 Jun 06 |
| We went to see it on Monday and were shocked. We used to like the show but this time were horrified. Bonnie Landford was ok. Luca Barbareschi was a weird Billy Flynn, with strong accent, but he's funny . Quite bad ensemble with a couple of exceptions. Natalie Edmunds is the worst Velma ever. - 86.139.22.248) | 02 Jun 06 |
| likewise the bad reviews! More of them - 83.138.136.92) | 02 Jun 06 |
| Warning to people who are considering seeing Chicago - 95% of the good reviews are written by one deranged person, a fan of the show who harasses the cast in stage door. Same kind of sentences, always saying how great everybody is. It is a fantastic show but not with the current cast. I saw it on Monday at the Cambridge and Bonnie Langford was fine. Brenda has powerful voice but can't act. Luca Barbareschi was ok as Billy Flynn. Everybody else I couldnt care less. Specially bad was Velma, played by understudy Natalie Edmunds. She dances like robot, sings in screeches and can't act. - 86.139.22.248) | 02 Jun 06 |
| I went with a friend on last week, and we didn't enjoyed it much. It was the fifth time I'd seen the show and the other times were great. Bonnie did an ok job as Roxie. And also Luca Barbareschi as Billy. Didn't like anyone else. Not very busy, about half or maybe less. The audience didn't seem to be having a good time. These days the show is looking really tired. The Upper Circle is awful at the Cambridge, very steep, not good for people who have issues with highs. The rude woman at the bar tried to tip us off by giving us the wrong change. We had to complain and threaten to go to the manager to get our money back. We moved to the Dress Circle for the second half. It was a bit better but over all it was quite a bad night in general. - 86.139.22.248) | 28 May 06 |
| I saw it last week, at the Cambridge, and thought it was terribly bad. Bonnie was ok, Amra was better. The audience was bored and it was only like half full. Luca Barbareschi was fine as Billy Flynn but the dreadful ensemble should be sacked. - 86.137.49.66) | 23 May 06 |
| Totally agree with David. The last one is once again repetitive.Who's been fired!!!! - 83.138.189.76) | 22 May 06 |
| One word awful! What a terrible night. Saw Friday's show in a very empty house. At the moment the show is dreadful and looks really tired. - 82.138.209.34) | 22 May 06 |
| Bonnie - just adequate. Saw Chicago and thought that Ms Langford disappoints as Roxie Hart. The audience were very bored and the supporting cast seemed to be really sleepwalking through the performance. Amra-Faye Wright was fine. Brenda Edwards sang Mama's songs well, but lacked charisma and can't act. Luca Barbareschi was ok as Billy Flynn but his accent made some of the dialogue difficult to understand. - 86.137.49.66) | 22 May 06 |
| I totally agree with the comments about the negative reviews. Obviously every show will receive criticism but these reviews are very ominous!! Definitely one bitter person. Saw the show this Saturday and was blown away. Have seen the film before and current cast on Broadway and have to say was very proud of our West End guys. There were alot of swings on though. The leads are wonderful and the ensemble sizzle. Anybody who knows Bob Fosse's work knows that his stars were always the ensemble. Not only are they wonderful dancers and Actors but they create every scene on the stage - very talented performers. It's very disappointing to read these criticism's about the ensemble as a director i thought they were excellent and being British am very patriotic and supportive of our guys. I suggest whoever it is with this massive ego and thinks they are this year's critic get over themselves and appreciate an excellent show!!! I thoroughly recommend everyone to see this cast. Well worth the money. - 82.10.32.19) | 22 May 06 |
| Saw it Saturday 13th at the Cambridge. It was terribly bad. The theatre wasn't even full. Cameron Leigh was quite bad as Roxie. Somehow the Cambridge looks like the wrong theatre for this show which looked great at the Adelphi. The current cast is totally unimpressive. - 86.137.49.66) | 20 May 06 |
| I was Thinking the very same thing. Alot of the reviews are the same! Very suspicious. It's a great show very entertaining. The Cast give it their all. I saw it last Sat 13th with Cameron Leigh as Roxie she was excellent. - 83.138.189.75) | 20 May 06 |
| Yes, see what you mean about jaded possible ex-cast member posting/slagging off. Compare "Mel"'s review of 16th May with "Matt"'s of 6th May. Virtually identical, including mis-spelling of Langford (Landford) and calling Luca's Billy 'strange'. Hmmmmm. I smell a rat. Lots of letters of the alphabet too. Some posted by "D", "E" etc. It's not bloody Sesame Street. I'm just saying read these reviews with a large heap of salt. - 212.44.18.73) | 20 May 06 |
| I saw CHICAGO last week for the 2nd time in London. I have seen the production in other countries. I have to say that Amra-Faye Wright was a fine Velma. She is a competent performer. Looks good too. The rest of the cast were awful. Brenda Edwards was terrible as Mama Morton, good voice but can't act. Bonnie Langford was weak, the rest of the company really bad. Billy Flynn was truly difficult to understand. A boring evening. Mr Kewitt - 86.137.49.66) | 19 May 06 |
| I'm really surprised at some reviews are. Saw it 13th May at the Cambridge. Bonnie was off and Cameron Leigh was terrible as Roxy, totally boring and acting by numbers, like a robot. Amra-Faye Wright has played Velma a lot and was good. Brenda Edwards had a strong voice, however her acting is wooden and again robotic. The choice of Luca Barbareschi as Billy was weird. He has stage presence but his accent is strong, he was much better than Darius though. All in all a boring night. The chorus girls were weak and the boys are awful and can´t do the Fosse style. - 81.202.245.94) | 17 May 06 |
| Saw 13th May too & thought Cameron Leigh was a very good understudy for Roxy. Velma good too - 83.138.189.76) | 17 May 06 |
| I don't understand why some of the reviews on here are so bad - I saw it on 13th May and it was brilliant. Bonnie Langford wasn't performing that night, but her understudy was more than adequate. Amra-Faye Wright is simply magnificent in the role of Velma, if you're seeing the show it's worth making sure she is performing that night. I agree with others that Luca, who plays Bily Flynn, is a bit of an odd choice. He's adequate in the role, but not spectacular. Would love to see it again with a different cast to compare! - 62.255.32.15) | 16 May 06 |
| We went to see it on May 15th and were shocked. We used to be fans of the show but this time were very disappointed. Bonnie Landford was fine. Luca Barbareschi was a strange Billy Flynn, with strong Italian accent, he´s funny at times though. Very bad ensemble in general. - 81.202.245.94) | 16 May 06 |
| Saw the show on Friday, poor, the 2 leading ladies were not up to West End standards,guess bonnie only there after ITV exposure, Amos (victor McGuire) was OK. Set seems smaller than Adelphi, 2/3 full. - 64.213.98.17) | 16 May 06 |
| Warning to people reading these reviews who are considering seeing Chicago - 90% of the bad reviews are written by one bitter person (ex-cast member?) Same short sentences, always saying Theatre was half empty and the ensemble are bad...well, it is a fantastic show and the audience are always deliriously appreciative at the end. I saw the last performance at the Adelphi and Bonnie Langford was surprisingly fabulous (met her at the stage door afterwards and she is incredibly friendly). Brenda has an amazingly powerful voice and can act too! My one negative is Luca as Billy Flyn - he was awful. - 213.235.6.34) | 16 May 06 |
| I was there with a friend on Friday 12th, and we didn't enjoyed it. It was the fourth time I'd seen the show and the previous times were great. Bonnie did a fine job, just, as Roxie. Luca Barbareschi was ok as Billy. Didn't like anyone else. Not a busy house, about 50%. The audience didn'tseem to enjoy it much. It´s looking really tired. - 81.41.203.106) | 15 May 06 |
| I saw it this week, at the Cambridge, and thought it was very bad. Bonnie was weak, much better was Amra and the audience (pretty empty) were hating it. Luca Barbareschi was funny as Billy Flynn but the awful ensemble did not quite do it for me. - 84.121.84.20) | 13 May 06 |
| One word TERRIBLE! What a dreadful night. Saw yesterday's show in a half empty house. Apart from Amra Faye Wright and Luca Barbareschi the cast is weak and the ensemble awful. They aren´t good performers. Seen the show before and loved it. I'm very disappointed this time. - 81.41.202.94) | 10 May 06 |
| Bonnie - what a star. Just got back from watching Chicago and thought that Ms Langford stole the show as Roxie Hart!! The audience were very lively and the cast seemed to be really enjoying the performance. Amra-Faye Wright was also great. Brenda Edwards sang Mama's songs really well, but lacked the sexual innuendo in her delivery. The only weakness in the cast was Luca Barbareschi who failed to 'razzle dazzle' as Billy Flynn. His accent made some of the dialogue quite difficult to understand. - 80.3.64.12) | 10 May 06 |
| Saw it Saturday 29th at the Cambridge. It was awfully bad. The theatre wasn't full. - 81.41.205.27) | 08 May 06 |
| I saw CHICAGO last week for the 1'st time in London, at the Cambridge. I have seen the production in a few other countries. I have to say that Amra-Faye Wright (Velma) stole the show! She is a performer who is so in tune with the piece. Looks amazing, fantastic dancer and has a great voice! She is truly a star and I am sure she will soon have writers lined up to create roles for her! The rest of the cast were good. Brenda Edwards was fabulous as Mama Morton, what a wonderful voice. The best version of When your good to Mama I have heard! Bonnie Langford was fine, as was the rest of the company! Unfortunately the Billy Flynn was truly aweful and should not be near a west end stage! Otherwise an enjoyable evening. Go and see it and make sure Amra-Faye Wright is on, you won't regret it! Mr Hewitt - 87.74.53.195) | 07 May 06 |
| I'm really surprised at how good some reviews are. Saw it 1st May at the Cambridge. Bonnie was good as Roxy. Amra-Faye Wright has played Velma for some time and was great. Brenda Edwards probably had a strong voice, however her acting is totally wooden. The choice of Luca Barbareschi as Billy was strange. he has some stage presence but a strong accent, he wasn't as bad as Darius though. All round a disappoiting night. The girls were quite weak in Cell block Tango and the boys are terrible and some of them tiny. - 81.41.204.214) | 07 May 06 |
| We went to see it on May 5th and were horrified. We used to be huge fans of the show but this time were really disappointed. Bonnie Landford's Roxie was fine. Luca Barbareschi was a weird Billy Flynn, has a very strong Italian and at times it's difficult to understand him. Very bad ensemble in general. - 84.123.26.72) | 06 May 06 |
| I was there with a friend on Thursday 4th, and we didn't enjoyed it. It was the third time we'd seen the show and the previous times was so much better -with Nichola Hugues and Ruthie, and then Anita Louise Combe and Anna Jane Casey-. Bonnie did an ok job, just, as Roxie. Luca Barbareschi was fine as Billy. Didn't care for anyone else. Not a busy house, strange considering that the Cambridge is smaller thanthe Adelphi, but it was no more than half full. The audience didn't enjoy it much. Really a not very enjoyable show these days, looking really tired. - 88.3.201.176) | 05 May 06 |
| I saw it this week, at the Cambridge, and thought it was terrific. Bonnie was excellent, as was Amra and the audience (pretty full) were loving it. The one negative was the Italian Stallion as Billy Flynn which did not quite do it for me. - 82.69.37.108) | 05 May 06 |
| One word AWFUL!!! What a dreadful atmosphere. Saw yesterday's show at the Cambridge - half empty house! Apart from Amra Faye Wright and, to a lesser extent, Bonnie Landford, the cast is weak and the ensemble is useless. They don´t have amazing bodies like previous casts and aren´t good performers either. Seen the show once on Broadway and twice in West End. I'm very disappointed this time. Get a new cast. - 81.202.235.234) | 05 May 06 |
| Saw it Saturday 29th, first week at the Cambridge. It was very bad. The theatre wasn't full and it's smaller than the Adelphi. Very bad cast with few exceptions. Wouldn't recommend it with the current ensemble. It needs a new one. The stage is too small, I prefer the Adelphi's. - 86.139.22.181) | 02 May 06 |
| I'm really surprised at how awful these reviews are! Saw it 1st May at Cambridge Theatre. Bonnie was, surprisingly for me, absolutely fabulous as Roxy. Amra-Faye Wright has been playing Velma for some time in various countries and was sublime - all the sex and vampishness you could hope for. Brenda Edwards - she of X Factor fame - probably had the strongest voice of the show, however her nerves made her acting a little wooden, but hopefully that'll improve once she relaxes in to the role. Think the choice of Luca Barbareschi as Billy Flynn was a strange one. Handsome man but not much stage presence - thank God it wasn't Darius though. All round a great night. Enjoyed it far more than i had hoped. The girls' chorus number "He had it Coming" was one of the hightlights. As ever the chorus were impeccable and were the backbone of the show. - 86.141.120.254) | 02 May 06 |
| We went to see it on April 28th and were disgusted. We were fans of the show but were really disappointed. Bonnie Landford's Roxie was ok. Luca Barbareschi was a weird choice for Billy Flynn and it's difficult to understand him. Terrible ensemble. - 86.139.22.181) | 30 Apr 06 |
| I went to see Chicago in the Adelphi Theatre on the 15th of April and all I can say is it was the most amazing shoe ever! Linzi Hateley was good, not the best but she was a good signer ... Debbie Kurup was AMAZING! She was singing excellently and dancing excellently! The background dancers [Men and Woman] were also excellent, How anyone can say the male dancers were out of shape and had a belly I dont no! They looked great 2 me! For me the best person was without a doubt Debbie Kurup! It was a same though that was one of her final shows otherwise I would of seen it again just to see her as she was so amazing! I will definately go and see another show with her in! I dont no how people can say it wasnt good! If she ever does Chicago again I will definately be there front row and I recommend anyone 2 go and see it with Debbie Kurup in! Elle xxx - 195.93.21.106) | 28 Apr 06 |
| I was there with a friend on Saturday 22nd, and we didn't enjoyed it. It was the second time we'd seen the show and the previos time was so much better -original cast with Ute and Ruthie-. Bonnie did an ok job as Roxie. Victor McGuire was good as Amos. Didn't care for anyone else. Not a full house, strange considering that it was the final performance at the Adelphi, but it was no more than 2/3 full. The audience didn't seemed to enjoy it much. Generally a not very enjoyable evening, I thought. - 86.139.22.181) | 25 Apr 06 |
| One word WOW!!! What an amazing atmosphere. Saw the final show at Adelphi - full house! Can't wait to see it again at the Cambridge. All the leads are brilliant and the ensemble sizzle on stage. They all have amazing bodies & are outstanding performers. Seen the show twice on Broadway and 3 times in West End. It's un beleivable they do this 8 times a week. Go guys!! - 82.10.32.239) | 25 Apr 06 |
| Saw it Saturday 22nd, final performance at the Adelphi. It was terrible. Theatre wasn't even full, bad cast. Wouldn't recommend it. It needs a new ensemble. - 82.138.209.34) | 24 Apr 06 |
| We went to see the matinee on April 22nd and were horrified. We had seen the movie and were fans already but the show really disappointed us. Bonnie Landford played Roxie nicely but with some weak moments i.e.the Roxie number. Luca Barbareschi was ok in the role of Billy Flint but has a very strong accent and sometimes it's difficult to understand him. The audience was bored at times, and some of ensemble members seemed to sleep walk on stage. A major dissapointment. Pity as the cd with the 1997 cast is fantastic, very impressive voices, as a contrast with the quite mediocre ones we heard today. I wouldn't recommend to see this show right now as this cast is not worth it! - 86.139.22.181) | 23 Apr 06 |
| I was there with a friend on Wednesday 19th, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Admittedly it was the first time we'd seen the show so have nothing to compare it to, but it didn't seem at all bad to me. Bonnie did a fine job as Roxie, especially during the trial. Victor McGuire was exceptional as Amos, he really managed to get the balance between comedy and pathos perfect. Though not a full house, the audience all seemed to enjoy it, judging from the reaction at the finale. Generally a very enjoyable evening, I thought. (Oh, and I agree with the comment about Tobias, he definitely kept our attention!) - 62.254.0.54) | 22 Apr 06 |
| Saw it Tuesday 17th, two words absolutely terrible. Theatre was very empty, dreadful cast, except for Amra Faye Wright and a couple of others. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone right now. It really needs a proper recast and a new director to survive. - 86.139.22.181) | 20 Apr 06 |
| Went to the show on Tuesday (18th April). I understand how people think the show is tired, I agree. Maybe it's not the worst ensemble I've seen, but it's a close second. Bonnie Langford was ok as Roxie, and I thought Luca Barbareschi did fine in spite of a very strong italian accent. Amra-Faye Wright is good as Velma. Don't think the Cell Block Tango works with such young girls, it lacked lacked energy and edge. Victor McGuire did a good job as Amos. Brenda sings well but can't act. Overall, it was a boring night, looked a bit under rehearsed and it's badly directed. - 86.139.22.181) | 20 Apr 06 |
| Awful show on Saturday 8th matinee, they were so many empty seats in the stalls. Hated the show this time, all the cast was terrible, no entertaining, Linzi was trying to save the day but she didn't have good support, she would have lift it up a bit if the ensemble had been a bit eager to help instead of looking bored. Really bad direction. Why are the ushers so rude at the Adelphi? - 86.137.48.137) | 15 Apr 06 |
| I should have read some of the reviewers' comments in here!We went on Friday 14th and thoroughly hated it, even my friend, who's a great fan of musicals. Debbie Kurup, as Velma, was good and so was Linzi Hately. The rest of the cast weren't in the same league. Really bad this time. - 86.137.48.137) | 15 Apr 06 |
| Some people seem to be very easy to please, or else one can’t believe some posters. I went to see Chicago last Saturday and I really hated it, so did my friend. It wasn't busy for a Saturday and most of the performers looked really bored. I used to love this show but it has gone down the hill. - 86.137.48.137) | 15 Apr 06 |
| Went to see this show again on Saturday 8th, theatre wasn't full. All the cast were awful except for Lini and Victor. The Adelphi was full of drunk people misbehaving and spoiling the night for everybody else. Box office staff are also very rude. - 86.137.48.137) | 15 Apr 06 |
| Went to see Chicago on Saturday 8th March, this was my third visit, and I a regret I went, Linzi was good, Victor as well but there was a general lack of energy this time around. Very bad ensemble. - 82.138.209.34) | 10 Apr 06 |
| I saw the matinee on Saturday and I thought Linzi Hately was good. Unfortunately nobody else was. The boys made a complete mess of the Roxie number and the direction has become flatter than a pancake. - 86.137.48.137) | 10 Apr 06 |
| Saw the matinee show on Saturday and had a dreadful time. The theatre wasn't even half full and the audience didn't seemed to enjoy the show much. This cast is actually quite bad and many of the boys are out of shape with many spare tyres clearly visible. - 86.137.48.137) | 10 Apr 06 |
| Took a friend to see Chicago on Saturday 8th. What an awful show has become. Most of cast were bad, especially Natalie Edmunds who was overacting her part and believes Fosse style means robotic movements. Linzi Hately was the only saving grace. - 86.137.48.137) | 09 Apr 06 |
| Linzi Hateley, she's amazing!!!!!!! The best Roxie I'v never saw in theatre, such an excellent actress, with a lovely voice, both when she acts and sings. She can be very very funny and, at the same time, very reliable. Just to see her, it's worthing to go to see the show. Otherwise, Debbie Kurup, as Velma, was just ok. I mean, to play that character, you must be a dancer, a good one, and she hasn't any dance technique!! She moves well (of course), doing all that small Fosse things, but she is not kicking her legs, no splits, not legs dancers.... I think she's mostly an actress and she sings fine, but nothing exceptional. Last July I saw as Velma a blond American girl, much more sophisticated, with lots of elegance, as the role required....she was much better. This time was Thursday April 6th, I was on second row, central seat, and I have to confess that from that place I've enjoyed much more the show, seeing lots of details. I liked as well Mama Morton wich was very good. Now, boys: out of shape!!!! I've recognized some guys since last July and they put on a remarkable belly with some disgusting hair on the top, which really doesn't fit with those tight costumes. Is that a chorus ensemble of Chicago, in the West End, or what? At the Moulin Rouge, in Paris, I know that dancers are checked regularly and some get fired if out of shape: can Chicago producers do the same on their own show? Girls were ok, Billy Flinn too. Between leading ladies, there was not chemistry... Anyway go to see the show because it remains a masterpiece of musical theatre, a jewel of Fosse art. - 87.0.64.172) | 09 Apr 06 |
| Terrible show. Me and my wife really hated it. Well I think she was asleep most of the time. Don't believe they care about the quality of Chicago anymore. I'm sure they could do much better with the right cast and a competent resident director. We went on Friday 7th evening performance and our Upper Circle tickets were upgraded to Stalls. I wasn't expected that on a Friday night but it wasn't busy at all so the Upper Circle had to close. - 86.137.48.137) | 09 Apr 06 |
| Oh dear, what has happened to this once-fabulous musical? Having seen the original in New York in 1976 I am of course disappointed by any and every revival but at the beginning this London show was stunning. Now its performances are as moth-eaten as the costumes must be after all this time. As Mama Morton says "Whatever happened to CLASS" 'cuz this show ain't got none. My guess is that a move to the Cambridge and the dead hand of Bonnie Langford - twenty years too old to play Roxie even if she had the talent - will kill it right off. - 195.93.21.1) | 04 Apr 06 |
| Awful show, mostly lacklustre performances. This show is nowhere near as good as it used to two or three years ago. Debbie Kurup was off on Friday which didn't help. - 86.137.48.137) | 04 Apr 06 |
| Saw Chicago on the saturday matinee. I thought it was fantastic, Linzi Hately was brilliant as were all the cast. I'd definately see it again. - 86.139.236.234) | 03 Apr 06 |
| I saw Chicago on Tuesday 28th March, and was absolutely dreadful. Very few people in and no atmosphere at all. - 82.138.209.34) | 03 Apr 06 |
| Awful. The cast was so terrible. I won't go again any time soon. Didn't like the boys. They spoilt everything. - 82.138.209.34) | 03 Apr 06 |
| I went to See Chicago about 2 years ago. Gaby Roslin was Mama, Frances Ruffell was Roxy and Alex Bourne was Billy, I thought it was fantastic, they were all very good and the lady who was Velma was gr8 too. I am going again in june for my sisters hen weekend and hopefully it will be as good as it was last time - 80.4.224.8) | 03 Apr 06 |
| Went to see Chicago on Saturday 1st April matinee, this was my fifth visit, and the one I regret, the leading ladies aren't great, the dancers were lacklustre. The box office staff are very rude. I bought my ticket from TKTS half price, that was the only good thing. There were many empty seats, strange for a Saturday. - 86.137.48.137) | 02 Apr 06 |
| Went to see chicago last week. Thought parts of the show were weak and lacked the energy i've seen in the past. Leads are ok except for Terence Maynard who is mis cast. Girls bad and ensemble very weak except Natalie Edmunds and Steven Grace who were the only two doing Bob Fosse's choreography justice. - 82.10.33.64) | 01 Apr 06 |
| Took a friend to see Chicago Friday eve. What a bad show. The whole cast was bad, except for Linzi and two others. Debbie Kurup was off. Djalenga Scott was Velma but she is so young that she looks like she's Roxie's daughter more than a partner in crime. - 86.137.48.137) | 01 Apr 06 |
| An awful show on Saturday 25th March, bad performances from all the cast. The latest cast changes have been dreadful. It wasn't sold out with theatre not full. Total disappointment. - 82.138.209.34) | 27 Mar 06 |
| I went to see Chicago on Friday 24th matinee. I'd never seen it in such a terrible state. I had read some bad reviews on here and I should have trusted them. How can anyone enjoy it anymore? The cast was totally unimpressive, no energy whatsoever, the lack of direction evident, very lazy production. - 86.137.48.137) | 25 Mar 06 |
| We went to see the matinee on march 18th and were flabbergasted. We had seen the movie twice and were fans already but the show really blew our sox off. I have just read on this forum that we didn't see Linzi Hateley but her understudy and I must say she played the part perfect without one weak moment in the entire performance. Terence Maynard was superb in the role of Billy Flint. Contrary to what I read in other reviews the audience was having a great time, in fact both the audience, the orchestra and the actors seemed to be having a great time. One minor dissapointment was that the old CD's they are selling and which are dating from 1998 have far less impressive voices than the one we heard that afternoon. I recommend everyone to go and see this show and if you're lucky maybe you'll see the same cast that we saw! - 213.219.160.78) | 25 Mar 06 |
| Saw Chicago on Saturday 18th March, and it was absolutely awful. The audience was bored. There wasn't much of an atmosphere. The understudy for Amos played him so badly that it was embarrasing. And the understudy for Roxie was very weak also. - 86.137.48.137) | 22 Mar 06 |
| Saw it yesterday Monday, two words absolutely dreadful. Theatre very empty, awful cast, except for L Hately. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The Upper Circle was closed and our tickets were upgraded to Dress Circle. - 86.137.48.137) | 22 Mar 06 |
| went to the show on monday (20th march) night. i can understand how people think the show is a little tired, i agree with that. i think people are being a bit harsh saying it's the worst cast they've seen. linzi hately was superb as roxie, and i thought terence maynard did a pretty good job. debbie kurup could have been better as velma. don't think her dancing was amazing, and she lacked a bit of energy as velma. gavin keenan did a pretty good job i thought as understudy amos. played everything the way it should. overall, it's still a good production, and judging from the audiences response at the end, everyone seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. - 81.1.75.104) | 21 Mar 06 |
| Awful show on Saturday matinee, they were many empty seats in the stalls, Hated the show, all the cast terrible, no entertaining, shame Linzi was off, she would have lift it up a bit in spite of the awfully flat direction. - 86.137.48.137) | 21 Mar 06 |
| I think a lot of your reviewers saw a different show to the one we saw!We went on Saturday 18th and thoroughly enjoyed it, even my husband, who's not a great fan of musicals. Debbie Kurup,as Velma, was particularly good and the choreography was excellent. I would definately go again. - 80.42.234.230) | 21 Mar 06 |
| Some people are easy to please, can’t believe some posters. I went to see the show last Saturday and I honestly hated it, so did my partner. It was busy but not sold out. This is the worst cast I've seen. Mr Celophan, understudy Gavin Keenan, was awful. - 86.137.48.137) | 21 Mar 06 |
| Went to see the show again on Saturday, theatre wasn't full. All the cast were lacklustre. The fact that Linzi was off didn't help, her understudy wasn't very good. - 82.138.209.34) | 20 Mar 06 |
| Went to see Chicago on Saturday 18th March, this was my fourth visit, and I a regret I went back for more, Linzi didn't perform and Cameron Leigh wasn't good, Victor off as well, terrible understudy. There was a general lack of energy this time around. - 86.137.48.137) | 20 Mar 06 |
| I saw the matinee too & I though Cameron Leigh was just great. M - 212.100.250.218) | 20 Mar 06 |
| Saw the matinee performance on Saturday and had a terrible time. The theatre wasn't full and the audience seemed to enjoy the show much. They were short of cast members for some musical numbers. Cameron Leigh was on as Roxie -Linzi Hately was off- and her performance was quite dull. Debbie Kurup and Terence Maynard were ok, but Gavin Keenan -Amos understudy was just dreadful. - 86.137.55.42) | 20 Mar 06 |
| Took my friend to see Chicago on Saturday 18th. What an awful show has become. The whole cast were bad, especially Gavin Keenan who was understudying Amos. Such a flat voice. But the biggest disappointment was that Linzi Hately was off sick and I was so looking forward to see her. - 86.137.55.42) | 19 Mar 06 |
| saw the show saturday 18th, one word "fabulous" - 195.93.21.1) | 19 Mar 06 |
| Awful show. Me and my husband really hated it. Well I think he was asleep most of the time. I don't think they care about the quality of this show anymore. I'm sure they have reduced the number of dancers as the stage looked quite empty sometimes. And come on, Friday night and 3 of the principals were off!!! What the heck is that about? Roxie, Amos and Mama were understudies. Roxie and Mama were ok I guess but nothing special but Amos was truly dreadful. - 86.137.48.218) | 18 Mar 06 |
| After seeing this show on the 11th of March I really don't want to go again. The music is great, but the actors/dancers/singers offer very poor quality. The atmosphere in the theater was non existant. - 86.137.48.218) | 14 Mar 06 |
| Terrible show, lacklustre performances, this show is nowhere near as good as it used to. Debbie Kurup was off on Saturday which didn't help. - 82.138.209.34) | 13 Mar 06 |
| Looks very tired. Linzi is good, ensemble bad. Terence Maynard is much better than the awful Darius as Billy. His voice is good. The girls are a bit better except maybe for Natalie Edmunds who is awful. Cameron Leigh did the 'ten times' part and I wasn't totally convinced, I prefer her as the Hungarian. very disappointed this time. - 86.137.48.218) | 10 Mar 06 |
| I saw Chicago on Tuesday 7th March, and was absolutely awful. Very few people in the audience. Mary Sunshine was an understudy and was quite bad. Terence Maynard played Billy and he was ok but nothing special. Weak ensemble. The last circle was close. - 86.137.48.218) | 10 Mar 06 |
| Awful. The cast was so bad. I won't go again. Didn't like the boys. They spoilt the Roxie number making it realy boring with terrible movements. Bob Fosse must be turning on his grave. - 213.122.27.96) | 02 Mar 06 |
| Went to the Saturday 25 Feb Matinee. Thought the Show was very good. Linzi Hateley was great and in fine voice. Terence Maynard played a good Billy and Chrissie Hammond was a perfect 'Mama'. The whole cast did themselves proud. The dancing/singing was spot-on. Tobias Walbom was hot, hot, hot! Practically a Full House; just a few empty seats at the back of the Stalls. The audience seemed to enjoy the Production and certainly showed their appreciation. - 195.93.21.103) | 26 Feb 06 |
| Went to see Chicago on Saturday 25th February, this was my fourth visit, and I regret I went back for more, the new leading ladies aren't great, all the dancers were lacklustre, also box office staff are so rude. - 213.122.17.243) | 26 Feb 06 |
| Went to the matinee performance on Saturday and had a terrible time. The theatre was not full. This show is not what it used to be. - 82.138.209.34) | 20 Feb 06 |
| Took my friend to see Chicago last week. What a bad show. The whole cast were bad, especially Darius as Billy. Very flat voice. He made us hate the show to the extend of leaving before the end. The first half was quite spoilt by the amount of latecomers taken to their seats distracting lots of people. Also we were sitting by the bar near the stage and a girl kept coming in and out walking very noisily along the aisle for no apparent reason. In the end we gave up and left. - 81.131.100.237) | 19 Feb 06 |
| An awful show on Saturday 11th February, very bad performances from all the cast. The recent cast changes have been dreadful. It wasn't a sell out show with theatre not full and a total disappointment. - 81.131.144.40) | 18 Feb 06 |
| I booked a day in advance to pay a visit to Chicago. I'd never seen it in such a bad state. I read some reviews on here but I didn't trust them. How can anyone enjoy this show these days? Flat direction and awful performances, so boring. - 213.122.126.114) | 17 Feb 06 |
| theatreI hadnt seen it in ages so I decided to see it last week but I left at the intereval which I have only ever done once before (J and H tour). The show just lacked any of its sparkle and its edge. iIt was a real shame that it came across as a very pale image of how it used to be. The leads were generally fair but not knockout, there were many missed cues and fluffed lines (inexcusable to have so many cock-ups) and the ensemble (with just one or two exceptions) really were messy so it just did not gel overall. A great shame - maybe it was an off night (but that of course would be no excuse to the paying audience). - 213.122.76.221) | 16 Feb 06 |
| Saw Darius in Chicago on Saturday 4th Feb, and he was absolutely awful. He wasn't confident, the audience was bored. There wasn't much of an atmosphere. He played Billy so badly that it was embarrasing. - 213.122.76.221) | 16 Feb 06 |
| Saw Chicago last Monday, two words absolutely awful. Theatre very empty, terrible cast. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone, even with the offers around. - 81.131.82.147) | 16 Feb 06 |
| I saw Chicago for the third time on Saturday evening. The theatre was packed and there was a great atmosphere. I absolutley loved the show. All the cast were fantastic but, for me, Darius was outstanding as Billy Flynn. Great entertainment 10/10 - 84.64.123.178) | 14 Feb 06 |
| Great show on Saturday afternoon matinee they were putting out extra seats at the back of the stalls the place was so full loved the show all the cast excellent very entertaining shame it was last performance for Darius a great Billy Flyn. - 62.253.128.14) | 14 Feb 06 |
| Great show on saturday. Fantastic!!! - 212.219.190.241) | 14 Feb 06 |
| Some people are strangely easy to please, can’t believe the positivity here. I went to see the evening show last Saturday and I honestly hated every minute of it, so did my partner. It was busy but not sold out and not a single tout outside. Darius was terrible and just got a polite applause apart from maybe his fans who came to see his last performance, all five of them were very pleased, the rest of the audience very disappointed. - 83.41.215.247) | 14 Feb 06 |
| Went to see the show again on saturday, theatre was full to the brim, even had ticket tout offering double the value for ticket outside!!! All the cast were as fantastic if not better than last time. Shame it was Darius' last night, he really does suit the part well. - 86.130.251.78) | 14 Feb 06 |
| Went to see Chicago on Saturday 11 February, this was my third visit, and I am glad I went back for more, the new leading ladies were great, Victor at his best, all the dancers were fantastic, also Darius Danesh was excellent as Billy Flynn, shame that it was his last show. The theatre was completely sold out for this show which says it all. - 81.77.102.56) | 14 Feb 06 |
| Went to see the show again on saturday 11th feb. It was the last show for Darius and was totally fantastic. I think they will be hard pushed to find anyone as good to replace him. The cast really appeared to enjoy the evening, and the audience gave everyone raptuous applause at the end. I just wish I made the effort to see Darius in this more times than i did. - 80.3.64.12) | 13 Feb 06 |
| Saw the matinee performance on Saturday and had a wonderful time. The theatre was full and everyone seemed to enjoy the show. The new cast members were really enjoyable to watch. I do love Victor as Amos. He is brilliant. Loved Darius as Billy Flynn.He has just got better and better and was made for that part. He hit every not perfectly and was not wooden at all. Dont know what show other posters on this site have been to see?? He was amazing and deserves top marks!! Im so glad I went to see it again.Well done everyone. - 86.132.151.184) | 13 Feb 06 |
| Took my family to see Chicago. What an awful show. The whole cast were bad, especially Darius as Billy. Such a flat voice! He made us hate the show so much. - 81.44.81.122) | 13 Feb 06 |
| An excellent show on Saturday 11th February, very powerful performances from all the cast. The recent cast changes took a bit of getting used to but both ladies performed well, although Sally Ann Triplett will always be Roxie for me. It was a sell out show with theatre and boxes full and a very appreciative audience. Billy Flynn was great, such presence on stage and he received the biggest cheers of anyone, well deserved in my opinion. - 83.67.34.90) | 12 Feb 06 |
| Great show. Me and my husband really enjoyed it. Well i think he was abit jealous of darius. - 212.219.190.241) | 10 Feb 06 |
| WOW, after seeing this show on the 1st of december I really want to go again! The music, actors/dancers/singers all to an amazing standard. The atmosphere in the theater was brilliant, Darius Danesh definitely made the show extra special, what a handsome, talented and amazing performer. A most enjoyable show. I totally recommend it. - 212.219.190.241) | 10 Feb 06 |
| Awful show, weak performances, especially Darius Danesh who's the worst Billy I've seen. - 82.138.209.34) | 06 Feb 06 |
| Tired-looking show. Linzi is fine, ensemble quite bad. Scott Ryan Vickers can't dance. Darius Danesh is not convincing as Billy. His voice is not godd enough and looks too young for the part. The woman who does 'arsenic' part in the tango, Natalie something, spoilt the whole thing, she was dreadful. - 213.122.74.64) | 06 Feb 06 |
| I saw Darius in Chicago on Saturday 28th Jan, and he was absolutely awful. He didn't look confident, the audience was embarrased. Sorry Darius but there wasn't much love in the room. He played Billy so unconvincingly that I felt bad for him. - 213.122.145.147) | 06 Feb 06 |
| Darius as Billy Flynn was funny. Me and my friend prodded each other and laughed when he made his first appearance. I think I'd say "Could do better", maybe even "fish out of water" he is hardly Mr. Sex Appeal and he looked like he was being remote controlled just off stage, very rehearsed and ridgid. The show is so good anyway it wasn't ruined but..... The rest of the cast were awesome, some strong perfomances. Lush. - 80.41.10.18) | 05 Feb 06 |
| I travelled 100 miles to see this show last Saturday night. It was my third visit, my last on October. There were some production and ensemble changes but it was a dull show this time. It wasn't a full house which is strange for a Saturday night, very busy but still a few empty seats here and there. Not impressed with anybody and darius is not believable as Billy. - 81.131.3.205) | 02 Feb 06 |
| I actually decided to go see Chicago last weekend, as I thought the show must have made a huge impact on people mainly due to reading the many reviews on here, and it was a great evening's entertainment. I cannot see where the extremely negative reviews are coming from on here. The cast were excellent and the audience around me loved it. What is all this about the wig? everything looked great from where I was sitting and Darius Danesh fitted in really well making a very believable Flynn. I think a lot of reviews here are down to celebrity bashing, but lets face up to the fact that most of these people are in the entertainment industry and have just as much right to work as anyone if they are up to the job. They shouldn't be pigeon-holed just because we have seen them on TV. I read in the program that Danesh toured with the Scottish opera, so obviously they thought he had something. I was pleasantly suprised by the acting and singing as a whole and the Orchestra was excellent. I suggest going to see it for yourself and be positively suprised. - 62.253.96.46) | 01 Feb 06 |
| I went to see Chicago for the third time on Saturday 28th January, what a terrible show has become. Since my last visit 2 years ago it has got so tired. Sally Ann Triplett is ok but nothing to write home about. But the worst was Darius who's never at ease when he's on stage, puts on a very strange accent. His lack of stage experience is verey clear. - 81.131.118.56) | 01 Feb 06 |
| Have been to see it again and have to say I loved it more this time than the last. The cast work so hard on stage and so well together. Darius has fallen into this part with ease and any nerves that were aparent in the beginning have certainly dispelled now. A shame his stint is to run out soon, still at least I get to go 1 more time yet. - 80.3.64.12) | 31 Jan 06 |
| I saw the evening performance on Friday 13th January. The theatre was half empty, it wasn't a sell out. I hated every minute of it. Roxie's expressions were so over the top, the irony of the show is gone due to bad direction. - 81.131.85.60) | 31 Jan 06 |
| Wow, some people are strangely hard to please, can’t believe the negativity and coldness here. I went to see the 5 o’clock show last Friday and I honestly loved every minute of it, so did my partner. I could go straight back in to see it again. No matter how critical I try to be just can’t see words like dreadful, terrible make any sense here. As far as I can see and hear, other audience enjoyed the show as much as I did. I just have to rave about it. The whole cast was great. They performed really well. The two leading lady got such strong voices; I loved Darius performance, and his little dance; extremely charismatic, a bit dubious about the accent he put on though but I’m not complaining. All in all, great show! I’d recommend it to anyone. - 82.44.70.23) | 31 Jan 06 |
| Dreadful show and terrible cast, I understand there may be people who may not agree, but what I saw on Saturday was a joke of a show. - 82.138.209.34) | 30 Jan 06 |
| I saw this show on Monday 23th Jan. Sally Ann Triplett ok, her wig was awful, didn't like this cast. The girls ok but some of the boys are very short, they don't really fit in. Unimpressed with Darius. - 213.122.49.51) | 28 Jan 06 |
| I saw it Saturday evening and didn't like anything about it! I haven't seen it before and am so mad I didn't read the reviews so i wouldn't have wasted my money. Last ninute thing as we were in town and Chicago was the only musical with tickets still available. I can see why. - 213.122.21.164) | 23 Jan 06 |
| I took my family to see Chicago. What an terrible show. The whole cast were bad, especially Darius Danesh as Billy. Such a flat voice! He made us hate the show so much. - 213.122.21.164) | 23 Jan 06 |
| A Christmas treat come late but nevertheless most welcome. It was an excellent nights entertainment made extra special by the reception given to the hardworking cast and the excellent principals I have to single out Darius Danesh for special praise Having seen him in his other role as singer songwriter it is quite evident that his performance skills learnt elsewhere have stood him in good stead and have been greatly enhanced by this West End experience. Sally Ann Triplett gave another polished performance and Kay Murphy now taking the role as Velma gave her all as the put out murderess who sees her chances dashed when Roxie arrives on the scene. The 13th January 8.30pm performance played to a packed audience and the reception for the cast and in particular Darius Danesh was loud and well earned. - 83.52.48.220) | 22 Jan 06 |
| Saw the show again this past week and what can I say ? Superb performances from all of the cast, the theatre was full with a sold out sign outside, how many other musicals can boast that. Wonderful singing and acting from Darius Danesh, he received the loudest cheers from the appreciative audience, full of normal theatregoers like myself. Also Victor Maguire deserves a mention as being well cast. All in all a great show that I would highly recommend to everyone. - 83.67.34.90) | 21 Jan 06 |
| Quite simply superb.All the cast,without exception gave energetic and exciting performances,with an audience who didn't hold back in showing their appreciation ! The two female leads added a touch of comedy to their roles,particularly Sally Ann Triplett as Roxie,whose expessions at times were reminiscent of a young Julie Walters. Darius Danesh oozed sex appeal and sent pulses racing.Definitely better than the film and not to be missed. - 86.134.11.218) | 19 Jan 06 |
| Saw Chicago last Tuesday, two words absolutely terrible. Theatre nearly empty,cast dreadful. Wouldn't recommend this show to my worst enemy, even with the millions of offers around and the extremely cheap deals. - 213.122.5.221) | 19 Jan 06 |
| I went to see Chicago for the second time on Saturday 14th January, what a truly fantastic vibrant show it is. Since my last visit Kay Murphy is the new Velma, she seemed to fit into the role with ease. Sally Ann Triplett is still an excellent Roxie, Victor Maquire is very good as Roxie's husband Amos, but for me the star of the show was Darius Danesh he owned the stage and his singing was superb,hitting all the high notes, also he brought a humourous side to his character Billy Flynn, much praise to all the dancers who work their socks off, not forgetting the incredible band.This is a marvellous show and is well worth a visit, if you can get a ticket!! (It was sold out on Saturday) Definitely a five star production. - 84.64.139.15) | 18 Jan 06 |
| I am shocked at some reviews. I went to see Chicago on 16th Jan and it was the worst cast. Except for Sally Ann and a couple of ensemble members, everyone bad, particularly Darius. How he get good reviews in here is everyone's guess. In fact the positive ones seem to have been written by the same person as they are pretty much in the same style and with the exact same spelling mistakes. Mmmm - 213.122.56.20) | 18 Jan 06 |
| I went to the evening performance on Saturday 14th January. The theatre was crowded, 2 ladies were looking for seats together and were told it was a sell out, and that if some hadn't turned up they could move at the interval. I loved every minute of it. Roxie's expressions were fabulous, the humour was great. Poor Amos, bless. The dancers worked hard. Darius was a star. The musician great fun. But you don't have to believe me, the cheers at the end showed the audiences reaction, fantastic. I'm going again! - 86.145.155.123) | 18 Jan 06 |
| Very tired-looking production. The female leads were ok, ensemble is not good. Scott Ryan Vickers must surely be the worst dancer in the world. Darius Danesh seems to be lost and is not convincing as Billy. His voiced cracked a few times, wooden acting and an accent wich is anything but American. At this stage, after having played the part so many times he should at least be able to give a half decent performance. Flash news: he isn't. - 81.131.136.198) | 16 Jan 06 |
| I went to see Darius in Chicago on Saturday 7th Jan,and he was absolutly fantastic!From the moment he walked onto the stage he owned the show,all eyes were on him.Darius played the role of Billy brilliantly,he is a natural born entertainer.You never would of guessed that he learned this role in only 15 days!You could tell that Darius enjoyed playing Billy,as much as we loved watching him.He pulls the American accent of brilliantly,and sounds just like a true American!All i can say is WOW!and i cant wait to see Darius in it again,i've booked for his last night and i cant wait! Sharon x - 85.12.65.33) | 16 Jan 06 |
| I hated it, Darius was bad, no stage presence and awful American accent. I won't see it again until they stop hiring people from stupid reality tv. Didn't like much the ensemble, some of them are very short and they look like children. Somebody please save this production. - 213.122.76.211) | 16 Jan 06 |
| Went to see it on Friday 13th Jan evening. The theatre was not busy. I wasn't impressed with the cast. I was disappointed this time as nobody apart from Kay Murphy really made an effort to make it work. We got top price Stalls seats reduced to £25 with free champagne for the interval and in spite of this and many other offers the show is clearly struggling to sell tickets. - 81.131.11.24) | 15 Jan 06 |
| Saw Chicago last night two words absolutley fantastic. Theatre full ,cast amazing. Recommend this show to anyone, if you can get a ticket. - 80.4.224.8) | 15 Jan 06 |
| I've already commented on this show....it's simply excellent!! However, I felt I had to come back and question the integrity of the majority of negative reviews here! It's amazing how similar a lot of them are AND with the same spelling mistakes!!!! If you HAVEN'T seen this show please don't let them influence you, see it for yourself and make your own mind up! I'd reckon you won't be disappointed....whoever is in the cast! - 62.254.32.22) | 15 Jan 06 |
| Not sure if some comments here are from genuine theatregoers or just friends and family of the cast trying to be supportive. The positive comments I've read on here are not consistant with what I saw on Friday at the Adelphi. A totally inadequate cast with very few exceptions and an embarrasing performance by Darius Danesh who's lack of stage experience is obvious in every scene, acts the the part clumpsly using a weird accent and struggles with the high notes. Chicago is cr*p at the moment. - 81.131.41.15) | 15 Jan 06 |
| Went today a sell out- excellent very enjoyable very different to negative reviews. All were very good and Darius was fantastic and the cast were great. Lots of cheering and applause- would go again! - 83.104.34.92) | 15 Jan 06 |
| loved it! Took the wife, I like Jazz and she likes musicals, however there is more to this show than just dancing to Jazz. The outfits (or lack of them in some cases!)makes this more suitable to adults, however there is definatley nothing to offend. The dance and excitement of the performers, The songs themselves were & strong well sung and it was good to see the musicians at the same time. Had seen the TV version and thought it only OK, the stage version was 100 times better. Would strongly recc this show to others. In fact I would even go again when they have another cast change. - 80.1.224.6) | 14 Jan 06 |
| I saw Chicago when Jill Halfpenny played Roxie and it was so good. Anna-Jane Casey was brilliant as Velma Kelly. I went again last week and this time I didn't like. Very lacklustre and many dancing boys are little and not sexy. - 81.131.17.6) | 13 Jan 06 |
| I am shocked at some reviews here. I went to see Chicago on 11th Jan and it was the worst cast. No energy. Except for Sally Ann, Kay and a couple of ensemble members, everyone was bad, particularly Darius. How he gets some good reviews is beyond me. - 81.131.69.147) | 12 Jan 06 |
| Bought tickets as a Xmas treat for the family and what a treat it was NOT! I'd seen it before but without Darius. He is awful in the role, not only does he look too young but he has a weird accent which is anything but American. He also speaks his lines very slowly and made an embarrasing final note in Both Reach for the Gun. - 81.131.102.153) | 11 Jan 06 |
| All the family hated from 79 year old Dad to 10 year old son. It had great casts in the past but not now. The worst family night out available in London, so boring, not worth it even with the offer £25 for best tickets. And I better don't get started on Darius Danesh, I mean, what were they thinking when they cast him? Also the Adelphi looks so dirty and shabby. - 213.122.112.129) | 10 Jan 06 |
| Last weekend we went to see Chicago, We were not really sure what to expect with such conflicting reviews about the cast, we last went to see the show quite a while ago and enjoyed it - however this time it exceeded all expectations, the cast were fantastic. I am begining to wonder if I actually went to see the same Chicago as some review writers. Not being a fan of Darius Danesh I was quite looking forward to having a laugh I suppose at his expense how wrong I was, he was fantastic his voice was truely lovely, he has obviously grown up alot since pop idol or whatever he was in. I don't think I could fault his performance or that of any of the cast members at all. Well worth going to see. - 62.254.64.17) | 10 Jan 06 |
| I saw this show on Monday 9th January. Sally Ann Triplett was just ok, her wig was awful, I didn't like this cast much apart from Kay Murphy. Katryn Dunn has left which is good as there is not danger that she may be playing Roxie. The girls are ok I guess but some of the boys are really small and one senses they don't belong in this show. Darius was quite bad, delivering his lines at a extremely slow pace in terrible American accent, has no acting skills and his Billy is quite camp, totally wrong. His singing is fine although at times he struggled, particularly the last note of Both Reached for the Gun. When he tried to dance, like in Razzle Dazzle, he looked clumpsy and ridiculous. I had a cheap Upper Circle ticket but they closed it so I was upgrade to a very good seat in Dress Circle. The theare was quite empty. - 81.131.128.114) | 10 Jan 06 |
| I was at the matinee on Saturday 7th January - 3rd row and if I hadn't had to get transport home I'd have stayed for the evening performance!! An exceptional show! So lively and sassy! The band certainly enjoyed themselves too, playing brilliantly! The cast includes a wonderful line-up of brilliantly choreographed, energetic dancers and superb headliners in Sally-Ann Triplet, Amra Faye-Wright, Victor Maguire and Darius Danesh. I must admit to being baffled by some of the reviews on here....the theatre was full, and all the cast received rapturous curtain calls, with Victor Maguire and Darius Danesh getting the loudest by far! I would certainly see this show again and would highly recommend it to anyone!!! - 62.254.32.22) | 09 Jan 06 |
| I saw this show on Saturday evening and thoroughly enjoyed everything about it! I haven't seen Chicago before, either on stage on screen and am so glad I didn't read some of the reviews on here otherwise I may never have wanted to see it at all! The theatre was full, there was a great "buzz" in the auditorium and I couldn't fault Darius Danesh at all - and he seems to be the brunt of a lot of the criticism in the reviews here! He looks the part - not sure if that is a compliment to a handsome 25 year old (!), he acts the part and I loved his voice. His sheer height, coupled with the tone of his voice meant that he simply oozed "presence" in my eyes. Keep an open mind if you are thinking of seeing this show - you might well be surprised! - 81.131.13.245) | 09 Jan 06 |
| I visited London last week with my family to see Chicago. What a great show.The whole cast were brilliant, but especially Darius Danesh as Billy Flynn. What a great voice!He really made the show for us. Well worth the money. I could recommend it to anyone. - 88.105.136.35) | 09 Jan 06 |
| Went again on Saturday for the matinee, was in 2nd row and loved every minute of it. The theatre was packed to capacity. Yet again I fail to understand what show some of the people went to see considering their reviews on here. The audience loved the show I was at, and every performer recieved a massage cheer at the end. Darius was great and not at all flat or struggling to hit the high notes. The rest of the cast were fantastic particularly Roxie and Velma, on the strength or everyones performances on Saturday I have now booked again for the 11th Feb. - 80.3.64.12) | 09 Jan 06 |
| I saw and ejoyed the movie, but I didn't know what to expect on stage. I didn't like the show when I saw it last week. No energy and darius was struggling all the time with the high notes. - 82.138.209.34) | 09 Jan 06 |
| I’m not keen on musicals generally but I like Kander & Ebb's. I took my wife to Chicago. She hated every minute of it and I had to agree with her by the interval that the vocals were not strong enough to make it worth it. It's a pity since we both remember how fantastic the original cast was. - 81.131.120.206) | 09 Jan 06 |
| Saw the show on Saturday 7th. Absolutely brilliant. I last saw the show in 2001 and thought the cast then lacked the energy of this one. It was like a completely different show. I don't know what people on this site are talking about when they say Darius was rubbish. They were certainly in the minority on Saturday as when the cast took their curtain call Darius got the loudest cheer of them all. His voice was extremely strong, not at all flat. - 62.69.86.125) | 09 Jan 06 |
| I went to see Chicago with my 16 year old son. We both hated the show. My son thought Darius was talentless. Roxie was ok and Velma better. Overall the worst cast I've seen, although the girl who makes the announcement now is a vast improvement over the awful Kathryn Dunn. - 81.131.9.237) | 09 Jan 06 |
| Chicago has been my favourite musical for years. I've seen it on tour twice and on Broadway three times but now I've seen it in the West End and hated it. I saw it on January 5th. Darius was truly bad and Sally Ann had a horrible wig. Luckily I only bought a £17,50 ticket. The Upper Circle was close so I got upgraded to one of the best seats in Dress Circle. The theatre was really empty. - 213.122.35.104) | 08 Jan 06 |
| What a terrible show, all the cast put on weak performances, especially new boy Darius Danesh, wrong voice, and he also doesn't have any stage presence. I will definitely not be going back for the time. And the male ensemble are not sexy anymore. Apart from a couple of boys they are really tiny, really short. I'm not saying that they can't dance, I'm sure they will make lovely Hobbits when Lord of the Rings opens in London, but come on, this is Chicago. Where are all the sexy men gone? - 81.131.67.247) | 07 Jan 06 |
| What a tired-looking production! The female leads were ok but the ensemble is not great. Scott Ryan Vickers must surely be the worst dancer in the show, and Darius Danesh seems to be out of place and delivers his lines without projecting his voice properly. - 213.122.80.63) | 06 Jan 06 |
| We saw Chicago last night and thought it was fantastic. Darius was brilliant as Billy Flynn, the part could have been made for him.It was so great to see him acting and dancing and his voice was just amazing! The Adelphi Theatre was such an intimate and friendly venue. The atmosphere was great and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I'd go again tomorrow given half a chance! - 88.105.139.37) | 05 Jan 06 |
| I hated the show, Darius was bad, no stage presence and the worst American accent ever heard. I won't see Chicago again until they stop hiring celebrities from stupid reality shows. Didn't think much of the ensemble, some of them look like teenagers, far too young for this show. - 213.122.70.106) | 05 Jan 06 |
| Went to see it on Friday 30th December evening. The theatre was not busy. I wasn't impressed with the leading ladies. I was disappointed this time as nobody really made an impression. It's quite dull with the current cast and Darius Danesh couldn't really pull it off. He has no stage experience and it clearly shows all the way through. - 81.131.117.139) | 05 Jan 06 |
| Chicago is terrible at the moment. I used to love it, I've seen it six times and always enjoyed it, but right now it's not worth it. Darius' performance is so bad that you have to see it to believe it. Weak ensemble also. - 81.131.3.7) | 05 Jan 06 |
| This is the third time I have seen Chicago and it was much worse, the first time I was thrilled at the energy and professionalism of the cast lead by Chita Rivera. Second time also good with J gabrielle and A J Casey. This time it was almost embarrasing. Darius Danesh is awful as Billy. Only Amra Faye Wright saves the show from sinking completely. - 81.131.93.228) | 05 Jan 06 |
| Not sure if some of the comments on here are from genuine theatre goers that actually saw the show or just people with sad lonely lives. The comments I've read so far are not from those that have seen the show as I have. Twice so far in December and to return again this Saturday. The cast were wonderful but the icing on the cake was Darius, he fits the part of Billy Flynn like a glove, Im sure the part was made especially for him. How such a young man with little or no experience of the theatre can command the stage like he does is beyond me and his talent is beyond his years. Dont take it from me or from those that dont appear to have seen the show let alone get their bums off their settees to log on here to type up a bad review for the sake of it. Get yourself along to the Adelphi and have yourself a wonderful evening. - 80.3.64.12) | 04 Jan 06 |
| Saw the show on Dec 29th, it rocked ! Great cast, great music, and theatre was full to bursting. Darius Danesh was excellent in the role of Billy Flynn, he commands the stage, he can hold those notes just fine, none of this awful warbling you hear from some 'singers'. The other characters work well together, especially Roxie and Billy who sparkle together. A show that's a must see with the present cast. - 83.67.34.90) | 04 Jan 06 |
| The show is not my cup of tea, and I thought Darius played the part of Billy without confidence, flat singing, and wrong look. Velma to me is strong but Roxie is just ok along with Amos. But the worst was the lacklustre ensemble. - 81.131.122.35) | 03 Jan 06 |
| I saw Chicago when Jill Halfpenny played Roxie and it was so fantastic i saw it 4 times! Anna-Jane Casey was also brilliant as Velma Kelly. If Jill is ever in it again I would LOVE to go back and see it again. Donna Hazelton also played Mama Morton very well. Dancers were fab. Please re-cast Jill as Roxie! - 212.32.97.188) | 02 Jan 06 |
| I am shocked at some reviews on here. I went to see Chicago on 31st Dec and it was the worst cast I've seen. No energy and missed laughs. Everyone was bad, especially Darius whose voice is not up to the demands of the role. How this cast can get positive reviews is beyond me. Maybe is just friends of the cast or maybe cast members themselves. - 81.131.24.123) | 02 Jan 06 |
| Bought tickets for the show as a Xmas treat for the family and what a treat it was! I'd seen it before but not with Darius as Billy Flynn. He is fantastic in the role, not only does he look GORGEOUS but he has a wonderful voice and really brings Billy to life for me. I hope to see it again before he leaves the show and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of going. Make it sooner rather than later to make sure you see Darius for yourself. - 81.77.218.98) | 02 Jan 06 |
| A show that all the family hated from 80 year old Mum to 11 year old daughter. It had great casts in the past but not now. This is the worst family night out available in London, totally dull and boring, not worth it even with the £25 for best tickets plus free champagne. And the Adelphi looks awful, really gives me the creeps these days, so dirty and shabby. - 81.131.83.215) | 02 Jan 06 |
| I went to the show on Tuesday 27th December and how disappointed I was! Chicago is one of my favourite shows but right now is really bad. No words can describe how awful Darius Danesh is. Some ensemble members look lost and underehearsed and they are badly directed. - 81.131.107.208) | 02 Jan 06 |
| I saw this show on Monday 26th December. Sally Ann Triplett was fine, but I didn't like this cast much. At least Katryn Dunn has left and we don't have to suffer her awful announcement anymore. But Chicago certainly lacks something these days. - 81.131.32.127) | 01 Jan 06 |
| the show was Ok, but i was expecting it to be a little better! i really enjoyed the film but the theatre show i feel there was something definatley missing!!! I think the shwo could have better cast!!! - 86.129.130.97) | 01 Jan 06 |
| I love Chicago but this time I saw a different show. I saw Saturday's matinee whilst in town and the Adelphi was not busy. Not cheers from the audience for the cast, which is the weakest I've seen. The dancing lacked energy and the Fosse style is badly delivered. Specially bad was Darius Danesh who couldn't hold the note in the Dummy number and sounded flat most of the time. - 213.122.131.58) | 01 Jan 06 |
| Saw Chicago again on New Years eve. Sally Anne Triplett was just magnificent as Roxie.Well done. - 195.93.21.1) | 01 Jan 06 |
| I've seen Chicago again and I'm not impressed. Thaetre not so busy last Friday Matinee. The cast, paricularly Darius, really bad. The show was badly acted and sung. The audience didn't seemed too enthusiastic. - 213.122.28.71) | 31 Dec 05 |
| I saw the movie but I didn't know what to expect. I didn't like the show when I saw it last Friday. I thought Roxy -Sally Ann Tripplet- was fine but was shocked by how terrible Darius was. If he's looking for credibility he won't get any as his performance was simply appalling. - 213.122.18.63) | 30 Dec 05 |
| I’m not keen on musicals but I do like good music, mainly classical and jazz. I took my wife to Chicago for our anniversary. She loved every minute of it and although I was taken aback by the minimalism of the production, I had to agree with her by the interval that it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I was hooked by the characters, dancing and brilliant score. All of the cast were very good and I was amazed that Darius – he of the Britney bit- had matured so much and as an actor, he was certainly on a par if not better than the two leading ladies that night. My wife said he was the star of the show. - 195.173.16.65) | 29 Dec 05 |
| Another Z list celebrity, this time Pop Idol looser Darius Danesh. I don't dislike Darius as a pop singer but his Billy Flynn is bad. He acts clumpsily and his American accent is awful. Roxie wears a horrible wig and acts very over the top? An what's with the 'Oh, Fredddddddd'. How funny NOT. Velma was good though. - 213.122.96.180) | 29 Dec 05 |
| I went to see Chicago with my 17 yr old daughter. We both loved the show. My daughter who is NOT a Darius fan thought Darius was amazingly talented in his singing and acting role. Roxie and Velma kept the audience's attention throughout. Brilliant can't wait to go again. - 80.5.160.9) | 28 Dec 05 |
| This has been my favourite musical for years. I've seen it on tour once, on Broadway twice but now I've seen it in the West End I hated it. I saw it on December 21st. Darius Danesh was so bad, no stage presence, sounded flat on numerous ocasions and has a very dodgy American accent. Didn't think much of Roxie, although Velma was good. Some of the girls weren't bad either and the Cell Block Tango kind of works, except for the one who plays Annie. Weak male ensemble though and the whole thing was in general boring and lacklustre. - 213.122.130.198) | 28 Dec 05 |
| What a fantastic show, all the cast put on great performances, especially new boy Darius Danesh, what a voice, and he also looks good and has great stage presence. I will definately be going back soon, - 84.66.137.158) | 27 Dec 05 |
| What a tired-looking production ! The female leads (Amra-Faye Wright & Sally Ann Tripplett) must surely be the worst dancers in the show, and Darius Danesh seems to be from the acting-by-numbers school. Definitely one to be missed, until a new cast is selected. - 82.35.138.103) | 27 Dec 05 |
| Monday 26th Dec was my fifth visit to Chicago. I saw the original cast, then the one with Chita Rivera andtwice on Broadway. Those times was great, this time it was just bad. Flat direction, weak acting and singing and general lack of energy. - 213.122.92.77) | 27 Dec 05 |
| I hated the show, Darius was so bad, he has no stage presence and has the worst American accent I've ever heard. I won't see Chicago again until they stop hiring dreadful celebrities from stupid reality shows. The new ensemble are so young that they all look out of place and don't seem to know what they are doing. - 213.122.64.47) | 26 Dec 05 |
| Went to see this show on Friday 23rd December evening. The theatre was not busy at all. I wasn't very impressed with the leading ladies vocals. I was disappointed this time around as nobody really made an impression and they have a very dull ensemble except for Steven Grace. Darius Danesh is the worst Billy Flynn I've ever seen. - 81.131.87.244) | 25 Dec 05 |
| Chicago is in terrible shape at the moment. I used to love it, I've seen it five times and it always made me happy, but right now it's not worth it. Darius' performance is terribly bad to the point of embarrasment,he sounded flat all the way through! The new cast are quite young and they look out of place and not very confident. - 213.122.125.247) | 24 Dec 05 |
| This is the second time I have seen Chicago and this time it was much better, the first time I was disappointed at the lack of scenery, props and cast but this time the energy and professionalism of the cast was spellbinding and I didn't miss the scenery etc. at all. I was drawn into the story and the main characters, I enjoyed Roxie and Billy Flyn they had a great chemistry together. A great pre Christmas treat thoroughly recommended. Also the people who say the theatre is empty must have been in a different theatre to me!!! - 81.178.184.155) | 24 Dec 05 |
| Saw the show twice while visiting London and have to say of the 7 times I have see the show (including James Naughton in NYC) Darius Danesh was the best Billy Flynn because he not only could sing and act the part but reinterpreted in a new way(never got to see him in pop idol as I live in CT in the US). I was at the 12/1 and Friday 12/2 matinees and both were packed despite comments to the contrary. And I am American and can attest to Darius' accent being authentic. There seem to be a lot bashing reviews on this sight that seem oddly similar in wording and phrasing, but I found the entire cast to be first rate. - 209.247.222.89) | 24 Dec 05 |
| I read that the theatre was quite empty last week. True, it was on Friday. The show was bad, I'm glad I didn't pay much. Darius was just plain bad, Roxie and Amos both quite mediocre. Velma was the best in the cast although not the best I've seen. The ensemble looked soo young that the whole show looks like a school production. - 81.131.85.28) | 24 Dec 05 |
| I have to say the show is not my cup of tea, but must say that I thought Darius played the part of Billy Flynn with flair,class,superb singing, and wonderful good looks. The role of Velma to me is not that strong but Roxie is good along with Amos - 62.255.64.10) | 23 Dec 05 |
| 6th time I have seen this show. Sally Ann Triplett was ok as Roxy. His Royal Dullness Darius is the worst Billy of the 6 I have seen. Velma ok, Amos, not good, Mama good just. Very disappointed this time. I won't be visiting the Adelphi any time soon. - 213.122.45.199) | 23 Dec 05 |
| I am shocked at some of these reviews on here. I went to see Chicago on 17 Dec and it was the best musical I've seen. Full of energy and laughs and razzle dazzle! Everyone was fantastic, especially Darius whose voice was amazing and he proved himself to be a very talented actor. I loved it! - 217.35.95.26) | 22 Dec 05 |
| After reading so many terrible reviews about this I was prepared for the worst but I thought it was worst than worst. When we went yesterday we had good seats with one of the offers but we were so let down by the singing and dancing. Sally Ann Triplett is miscast and Darius embarasing to watch. - 213.122.60.139) | 22 Dec 05 |
| At last a show that all the family loved from 81 y o Dad to 10 y o son. Forget the moaners who hanker after the ghosts of casts past or get hung up on the technicalities of one note. This must be one of the best family nights out available in London - wonderful story, great music, beautiful choreography and lots of comedy delivered by a professional and proficient company.The story is so relevant today. My son understood the theme of the pursuit of fame and the part the media plays and the ambitious sharp-suited, quick-footed lawyer in a hurry is familiar to him from TV. The whole company give fantastic performances including the band. My family favourites were Roxie and Billy Flynn. Their scenes together just sizzle. Sally Ann Triplett is a wonderful, versatile actress and she doesn’t disappoint in this role. Her slapstick comedy faces as Billy reinvents her life story were so funny and she makes the perfect dummy. I don't know how she can hold her hands so stiffly for so long. Darius Danesh is young for the role so don’t expect the grizzled experienced old hand – more a legal J.R. Ewing – he’ll do anything and use anybody to defend his guilty as sin clients and he knows he’s good. Danesh does it so well. My father said “He can strut standing still”. My husband was more complimentary “ Where was he when they were looking for Bond? My daughter? She mostly just gazed at him with her mouth open. I wanted to hate him for the disdain with which he treated the gentle Amos, but I couldn’t. Darius Danesh justifiably got the best reception from the audience. We left the theatre on a high but not before bouncing around to the band – how funny is the conductor at the start of Act 2? We all loved him. Great night! Money well spent. - 195.173.16.65) | 22 Dec 05 |
| I went to the show on Tuesday -20th December- and how awfully disappointed I was. Chicago has always been one of my favourite shows but at the moment is really bad. No words can describe how bad darius danesh is in the part of Billy Flynn, but then again nobody was really good except for maybe Amra-Faye Wright. - 81.131.78.184) | 22 Dec 05 |
| I saw this show on Monday !9th December. I have to say that Sally Ann Triplett was fine, but I didn't care much for the others . I was shock to see a big photo of Katryn Dunn outside the thatre as I was told she left. I asked one of the ushers and YES she has left at last. I don't understand why her picture outside the theatre is bigger than that of Roxie and Velma, dodgy bussiness is showbusiness. - 81.131.35.32) | 21 Dec 05 |
| I thought the show was awful. I couldn't believe how bad it was. I was only pleased with Velma's performance. Everybody else wasn't good. Roxie was ok at times but not so good in the monologue. Darius Danesh was very bad and he didn't get any kind of ovation, just a modest and polite applause like the rest of the cast. - 81.131.50.180) | 20 Dec 05 |
| Sorry Alison but you must have watched a different show. I saw Saturday's matinee and evening performance whilst in town and the Adelphi was packed each time, even the boxes were full for the matinee. There were huge cheers from an appreciative audience for all the cast, special mention must go to Sally Ann Triplett who is fantastic as Roxie and Darius Danesh received the biggest cheers at each performance, what a fantastic voice he has. The theatre knows exactly who is putting bums on seats and a few sad individuals posting reviews of shows they haven't even seen won't alter the fact that this show is being well received by people who actually see it. - 83.67.34.90) | 19 Dec 05 |
| Saw Chicago on Saturday matinee. Wasn't very busy, it was really very empty and it didn't have much atmosphere. Very disappointing performance by Darius. - 82.138.209.34) | 19 Dec 05 |
| I've seen Chicago again and was not impressed. Thaetre almost empty last Friday Matinee. The cast, including Darius, were really bad. The show was terribly acted and sung. The audience seemed to be quite bored. - 81.131.111.128) | 16 Dec 05 |
| I have seen the movie but I didn't know what to expect. I didn't enjoyed the show last Friday. I thought Roxy -Sally Ann Tripplet- was ok but was shocked by how awful Darius was. And the whole thing seemed a bit cheap. - 81.131.94.176) | 16 Dec 05 |
| I saw this show on the 12th. I hadn't been to a London show in ages but the John Lewis offer was sounded good. £25 top price seat with a glass of champagne. I'm so glad I didn't pay full price as right now Chicago is not even worth the £25 I paid. It has really gone down the hill. Flat direction + weak performances = boring night. And the Adelphi is such a shabby place, so dirty everywhere. - 213.122.69.67) | 15 Dec 05 |
| Another D list celebrity performance, this time by his royal blandness Darius Danesh. I don't dislike Darius as a singer but his Billy Flynn is bad. He can't act and his American accent is not good either. - 81.131.37.202) | 15 Dec 05 |
| Very bad. This is the worst cast I've seen, and I've seen several. I saw it on Monday 12th December and the theatre was so empty. They upgraded the Upper Circle tickets to good seats in Dress Circle and Stalls. Darius Danesh was so bad that it was almost painful to watch and the ensemble lacked energy. - 81.131.25.167) | 14 Dec 05 |
| Chicago has been my favourite musical for many years, I've seen it on tour twice, on broadway once and now i've seen it in the west end I love it even more. I saw it on November 21st, Darius' opening night, and although i was a little worried about Darius performance, I needn't have. Darius was perfect in his role. True, you could see his nerves at the begining, but as a former theatre student I understand the gravitas of taking on a large role in an award winnig West End Show. I dont have enough superlatives in my vocabulary to say how brilliant i thought his, and every member of the cast's performace was. Truely Amazing. I shall be going to watch it again!! - 194.159.12.175) | 14 Dec 05 |
| Terrible show! I hated every minute of it. Chicago is now the worst show in town! Upper Circle close, no surprises there. Darius Danesh was so bad that it was embarrasing. His voice cracked several times. At the end of the Dummy number he didn't even tried to hold the note and even so the final note sounded completely flat. - 81.131.28.93) | 14 Dec 05 |
| Went to see Chicago on the 9th Dec, wasnt sure what to expect really with Darius Danesh playing Billy Flyn after reading some reviews, all I can say is my concerns were unfounded, it was a truly brilliant show, Darius played a brilliant part when he sung his voice was truely amazing.I think now is the time to give the guy the break he deserves from negative publicity. - 62.254.64.17) | 14 Dec 05 |
| Monday 12th Nov was my fourth visit to Chicago. I saw the original cast twice and then the one with Maria Friedman. These times was fantastic, this time it was just awful. Very empty as well with the balcony closed. - 81.131.38.186) | 14 Dec 05 |
| I really hated the show, Darius was particularly bad, he has no stage presence and has the most terrible American accent I've ever heard in my life. I refuse to see Chicago again until they stop giving parts to dreadful celebrities. - 81.131.143.88) | 13 Dec 05 |
| Went to see this show on Friday 2nd Novemeber, evening. The theatre was not busy considering it was Friday. I wasn't very impressed with the leading ladies vocals or with the band. I was disappointed this time around as Chicago is not the fantastic show it used to be anymore and the casting of Darius Danesh hasn't help the matter either. - 81.131.1.58) | 13 Dec 05 |
| Chicago is in bad shape at the moment. I used to love this show, I've seen it several times and it always made me happy to see it, but right now it's not worth it. Darius' performance is so bad and i wasn't crazy about sally Ann's either. - 213.122.97.114) | 13 Dec 05 |
| I've seen quite a few of the casts of Chicago and thought last night's performance (12th Dec) was one of the best for a long time. Sally Ann Triplett and Amre Faye Wright are a great combination, both very well matched. Chrissie Hammond is also good as Mama. The new ensemble were excellent, I didn't realise it was their first night. The only thing letting the show down at the moment is Darius. Just awful. He even attempted to hold the note at the end of TARFTG, but was no where near in tune. His acting and accent are bad too. Anyhow, certainly a big improvement on the last time I saw the show. - 193.201.196.10) | 13 Dec 05 |
| I've seen Chicago five times. The last one yesterday Monday. I prefered my previous visits to the musical, the original cast was fantastic and the one with Maria Friedman was also good. But last night was quite boring. Darius was just awful and his voice cracked in the final note of WBRFTG. Velma was good, I'll give them that. The new ensemble are decent, I guess, but dull. Chicago is not exciting anymore. - 81.131.147.180) | 13 Dec 05 |
| Someone said that the theatre was quite empty last matinee. True, it was on Thu. I was upgraded to dress circle from upper circle, which was close. The show was awful, I'm glad I didn't pay much. - 82.138.209.34) | 12 Dec 05 |
| Certain performers should not be in this show, there is no way Darius would have pass the audition if he wasn't famous, or kind of. I went on 6/12. The cast lacked of energy and the woman who played Roxie (Katryn Dunn) was so bad that it was painful to watch. - 81.131.85.111) | 12 Dec 05 |
| Ok, 5th time I have seen this show. Sally Ann Triplett was good as Roxy. Darius is the worst Billy out of the 5 I have seen. Velma fine, Amos, not as good as the others I've seen, Mama good voice but miscast. Very disappointed this time. - 213.122.34.128) | 12 Dec 05 |
| I went to see Chicago recently, and was pleasantly surprised by all the excellent performances, Sally Ann Triplett,Amra-Faye Wright and Victor McQuire were great.But for me Darius Danesh stole the show with his excellent acting and singing as Billy Flynn, Well done to everyone involved in the show, I give it the maximum 5 stars. Allison - 84.66.144.114) | 11 Dec 05 |
| After reading so many bad reviews about this show I was prepared for the worst but I thought it was fantastic.When we went to the Adelphi, last week, we had great seats with the singing and dancing being excellent we had a great night. Darius was brillant and I can't understand how anyone can fault his preformance. Well done to all concerned. - 84.19.114.14) | 11 Dec 05 |
| Having seen and loved Chicago ten times before I went to see it again on Thursday 8th December and this time it was really quite awful, apart from Amra-Faye Wright, although she wasn't the best Velma I've seen. King of Cheese Darius Danesh is currently Billy Flynn, but he can't really pull it off. - 213.122.32.144) | 11 Dec 05 |
| I went to the show on Tuesday -6th December- and how terribly disappointed I was! Chicago is one of my favourite musicals but at the moment is really terrible. No words can describe how awful Katryn Dunn -understudy- was as Roxie, bad actress and even worst singer. And Darius, I didn't care much for his performance. - 81.131.136.74) | 10 Dec 05 |
| I saw this show on Monday 5th December. I have to mention that Sally Ann Triplett was off unfortunately. Understudy Katryn Dunn played Roxie and her accent sounded really weird switching from American to Australian constantly. She sang flat most of the time, Funny Honey was especially awful. Amhra-Faye Wright was quite good but had no chemistry with Dunn. Darius was ok but nothing special. - 81.131.21.39) | 09 Dec 05 |
| I thought the show was bad. I couldn't believe how terrible it was. I was, however, pleased with Velma's performance. Everybody else wasn't really good. Roxie was funny at certain times but not so convincing at other times. - 81.131.44.64) | 09 Dec 05 |
| For all of those people slamming the performers of Chicago, please keep in mind that performing day after day is not only physically more than any of us muster in a lifetime, but also requires dedication and talent. If you think it's easy, then why aren't you up there on stage doing it better than them? Congratulations to every cast member of Chicago for entertaining thousands of theatre-goers. - 81.171.132.138) | 08 Dec 05 |
| Saw Chicago on Friday matinee. Wasn't busy, it was really very empty and it didn't have much of an atmosphere, which is important to enjoy this show. I have seen Chicago before and it has been fun but this time it wasn't. Darius Danesh is too young and his Billy is quite bland, bad American accent also. - 213.122.89.60) | 08 Dec 05 |
| I don't normally return to repeat reviews but, I've seen this again and was just as impressed. I get the impression that many of the reviewees have not been near the theatre. It's incredible that the show I went to was seen to be almost empty. Was it in a different theatre? I was at the Adelphi and was amazed by how many people managed to get to a Friday Matinee. The cast, including Darius, were really good. The show was well acted and sung. The audience were appreciative. I took a 10yr old who enjoyed it even more than I did. She now wants to be Roxie and her choice of Xmas present has changed to be a repeat visit. To the people I am aware of giving bad reviews because they don't want Darius succesful, grow up. This is people's career's you are playing with. The success or failure of this show will not affect the career of your preferred artist. I'm happy with people not enjoying something but, the lies are very wearing. Luckily, word of mouth means more in this type of entertainment and 'Chicago' is really good entertainment. It would be without Darius as the cast (including the orchestra) are fantastic. Darius fits right in. - 80.3.32.7) | 08 Dec 05 |
| I have seen many musicals so I didn't know what to expect but I didn't enjoyed the show last Saturday. I thought Roxy -Sally Ann Tripplet- was fine but was suprised by how bad Darius was. I thought having the experience on being on tv and in the music worl would help him but he didn't seem very confident and his performance was dull. - 213.122.96.80) | 07 Dec 05 |
| I saw this show on the 2nd. I haven't been to a West End show for ages but the John Lewis offer was quite attractive. £25 for a top price seat and a free glass of champagne, so I gave it go. I'm just glad I didn't pay much as it's not worth it. This used to be the best show in town. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case. It has become bland and tedious. - 81.131.99.75) | 07 Dec 05 |
| Another Z list celebrity performance, this time by Darius. I don't dislike Darius as a singer but he is just not right for Billy Flynn. He can't act really and his American accent is very bad. - 81.131.27.90) | 06 Dec 05 |
| Truly bad. This is one of the worst casts I've seen, and I've seen most of them. I saw it on Tuesday 29th November and the theatre was very empty. They upgraded everybody with Upper Circle tickets to good seats in Dress Circle. - 213.122.18.77) | 06 Dec 05 |
| I saw the show about six years ago with Maria Friedman and Anna Montanaro and enjoyed it inmemsely. Six years on Chicago is not as good in terms of choreography and direction but Amra-Faye Wright is a brilliant Velma. Pity about the flat direction that makes the show look passed its sell by date. - 213.122.92.230) | 06 Dec 05 |
| Dreadful show!(30th November) I hated every single minute of it. Chicago is right now the worst show in town! Upper Circle close due to poor sales. Darius Danesh was so awful that it was almost embarrasing. - 81.131.2.174) | 06 Dec 05 |
| I saw this show for the second time last week. Excellent in every way, wonderful dancing & singing from all the cast. Sally Ann Triplett was fantastic as Roxie and she works brilliantly with Darius Danesh as Billy Flynn. He really is excellent in the part, great singing voice, fine acting and dancing, I hope to see him over on Broadway in the part as well. Well worth the money and a must see show whilst in London. - 83.67.34.90) | 05 Dec 05 |
| Monday night 28th Nov was my third visit to Chicago. My first was in !997 and my second in 1999. Both times was fantastic, this time it was just terrible. - 82.138.209.34) | 05 Dec 05 |
| I hated the show, Darius was particularly terrible, he has no stage presence whatsoever and has the most awful American accent I've ever heard. I refuse to see it again until a decent cast takes over. - 81.131.70.158) | 05 Dec 05 |
| Went to see this show on Friday 2nd Novemeber, evening. The theatre was not busy considering it was Friday. I wasn't very impressed with the leading ladies vocals or with the band. I was disappointed this time around as Chicago is not the fantastic show it used to be anymore and the casting of Darius Danesh hasn't help the matter either. - 213.122.37.29) | 05 Dec 05 |
| Chicago is in really bad shape at the moment. Ok, I used to love this show, I've seen it a few times and it always made me happy to see it and to listen to its wonderful music, but right now it's not worth it even with the half price discount at TKTS. And couldn't have they chosen a less sexy woman to make the announcement? Come on! - 81.131.56.60) | 04 Dec 05 |
| I went to see Chicago on November 29th just because a friend took me. I saw the show a couple of years ago and I wasn't impressed. This time was much worst. Darius was quite weak. He is also surrounded by a lacklustre cast with the possible exception of Amra- Faye Wright but she fell indisposed during the performance and the understudy have to take over. - 213.122.115.241) | 03 Dec 05 |
| I've seen Chicago four times. The last one on yesterday night. I so prefered my previous visits to the show, the original cast was so great and the one with Chita Rivera was also very good. Unfortunately this time it was a complete disappointment, all the magic is gone. And Darius as Billy? What are they thinking? - 213.122.113.37) | 03 Dec 05 |
| Someone stated that the theatre was quite empty on the 21nd December matinee. True, it was very empty at the Adelphi which appeared to be dead. Darius Danesh received less applause than the other performers which is fair enough as his Billy is weak and he struggles to hold the note in Both Reached for the Gun. Amra-Faye Wright was good as Velma but I didn't care for the rest of the cast. - 213.122.65.216) | 03 Dec 05 |
| Whatever people's biases are towards certain performers, there is no way this entertaining show only warrants *. I first went on 21/11 (Darius' opening night), the theatre was full and buzzing - a great atmosphere!! I'd only seen the file once (which I thought a bit OTT), so was pleasantly surprised with the simplicity of the stage setting. Where do reviewers get the adjectives 'dull', 'tired' and 'boring' from? - certainly not this show!! The cast were full of energy and enthusiasm and made it all look to easy. The feel-good factor certainly rubs off on the audience. Sally Ann Triplett, Amra-Faye Wright and Darius were all excellent (you never would have guessed it was Darius' first night!). I enjoyed it so much, I went back last night (2/12). Theatre buzzing again. This time I knew what to expect and appreciated it even more. All the cast work well together and look like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves. If AFW was ill during the week, she was certainly back on top form again last night. Stand out performances are SAT and Darius - my favourite song, 'We Both Reached For the Gun'- so cleverly done and so funny. The humour throughout is excellent and facial expressions priceless!!LOL. Victor McGuire if also very endearing as Amos. I think the reviewers who gave the show just * have probably just seen the show too many times!! I cetainly haven't and have booked to go again. Verdict: A very strong cast and a 'must see' show. - 84.66.215.174) | 03 Dec 05 |
| ok 4th time i have seen this show this year..sally anne triplett was the best roxy i have seen,i have seen both jill halfpenny and brooke shields..and one i cant even remember her name. darius..the worst billy flynn out of the 4 i have seen,velma..weak,compared to the other 2 i have seen,amos..not as good as the other 2 i saw,mama morton,not a patch on zee asha,or the amateuar performer who i saw do it the first time..all in all out of the 4 shows i have seen this has been the worst...darius aint a natural on the west end im affraid..sorry darius,but at least you told the pop idol panel you would make it...and you have - 193.132.159.169) | 03 Dec 05 |
| Despite the bad reviews here, I want to say that I decided to go to London to see Chicago yesterday Dec 2 Friday matinee, and I agree it is the worst version I have seen of this show! I've seen Chicago many times but right now is really dying. Amra Faye Wright is the only cast member who injects some life to the production but it's not enough and the whole experience falls flat. Quite empty theatre as well, but not surprises there. - 81.131.81.165) | 03 Dec 05 |
| I went to the London production of Chicago on Wednesday 30th. I also saw Billy Elliot on Tuesday, really great show. I can't say many positve things of Chicago I'm afraid. Sally Ann Triplett was fine but unexciting job, Kay Murphy -understudy was a good and enthusiastic Velma. Everybody else I didn't care much including Darius danesh who seems very unsecure on stage. - 213.122.123.197) | 02 Dec 05 |
| Having seen and loved Chicago nine times before I went again on Thursday 1st December and this time it was really awful, apart from Sally Ann Triplett, although she wasn't totally convincing as Roxie. The new celebrity guest, darius, was awful though. - 213.122.91.77) | 02 Dec 05 |
| I went to the show on Wednesday -30th November- and how terribly disappointed I am! Chicago has always been one of my favourite musicals but at the moment is really awful. No words can describe how bad Darius Danesh is, terrible accent. The show is in really bad shape and therefore the theatre was quite empty with the Upper Circle close. - 213.122.73.215) | 02 Dec 05 |
| I saw this show on Tuesday 29th November. I have to mention that Sally Ann Triplett was fine, although she sounded weird in some bits of Funny Honey and went over the top sometimes. Amhra Faye Wright left the performance in the middle as she was feeling unwell and Kay Murphy took over who did a very good job. The rest of the cast I didn't care much. Darius portrayal of Billy was just so dull and boring. - 81.131.40.226) | 02 Dec 05 |
| I thought the show was entertaining athroughout. I couldn't believe how quickly it went. I was, however, a bit concerned when Velma had to go off. Hope she's OK! Her understudy was really good. Roxie is oh so funny, as well as a fine dancer and singer, with the faces she pulls. Darius Danesh also sang very well and I justloved his Razzle Dazzle dance. He's just perfect for Billy Flynn - tall, superior, wily but still cares about Roxie. Amos is such a soft touch, I felt sad for him. I'm sure that's because he was well played. Chicago's a real fun show. I couldn't have enjoyed any show more. The jury member who kept changing personalities was very clever. I hope to be back before the end of this run. - 195.173.16.65) | 01 Dec 05 |
| Came back to see Chicago because of Chrissie Hammond and her Mama didn't disappoint. Unfortunately everything else did. The show wasn't very enjoyable and lacked spark. The leads were weak especially Darius Danesh who is totally miscast as Billy Flynn. - 213.122.110.99) | 01 Dec 05 |
| Saw this musical on Friday matinee. Wasn't busy at all, it was really quite empty and it didn't seem to be much of an atmosphere either, which is essential to enjoy this show. I have seen Chicago previously and it has always been fun but this time wasn't due mainly to bad casting. Darius can sing the songs but is totally wooden and can't act. He wasn't able to hold the note in Both Reached For The Gun which made the number totally unmemorable. - 81.131.91.117) | 01 Dec 05 |
| I went to see this on 26th Nov at the matinee, the theatre was quite packed which was a suprise. The main characters were excellent, Roxy and Velma really belting their songs out! I liked the way it was sparce with the characters played humerously by the same people in the chorus, no costumes except the skimpy dance attire, and no scenery as such. it worked as the plot and moral and the singing took centre stage especially with the full Jazz orchestra up on the stage. To try to emulate the film with a full costumed affair would have been to much. Darius Danesh made a fantatic Billy Flynn, devious, money orientated, yet stangely the most honest of everyone, while winding the media round his little finger, while Roxy played it up as gutsy yet funny. Darius' vocals and acting were great, and he seemed to fit perfectly with the rest of the cast, being 6' 5" he commanded the stage and didn't seem dwafted by the leggy dancers. The "we both went for the gun" scene was a highlight, with Roxy perched on his knee and him singing her answers to the media, excellent stuff. I came away thinking he was the perfect Billy. - 62.253.96.46) | 30 Nov 05 |
| I have not seen many musicals (and those I have had been Andrew Lloyd Webbers) so I din't know what to think but I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I thought Roxy was great and was pleasently suprised by Darius who I thought was brilliant as Billy Flynn, the atmosphere, the cast everything was great and I would recommend it to anyone. - 81.178.193.167) | 30 Nov 05 |
| I saw this show on the 21st. I haven't been to a West End show for months and, the John Lewis offer persuaded me to give it a go. It was £25 for a top price ticket plus a free glass of champagne so I went. It would have been interesting to see Darius Danesh doing a good job. Unfortunately he didn't. The whole show looked tired and some parts really dragged. - 81.131.121.165) | 30 Nov 05 |
| Another E list celebrity performance by Darius. I like Darius as a singer but he is not right for Billy Flynn as he can't act and his American accent is very dodgy. I think the production company doesn't care anymore about the quality of the show and they are just so desperate to bring in anybody in who's been in the shittiest reality show on tv. There's no way to save the show like that. Just end the show in style if there's nothing else you can do about it! - 213.122.26.249) | 30 Nov 05 |
| Really bad. This definitely is one of the worst casts I've ever seen, and I've seen most of them. I saw it on Friday 25th November matinee performance and the Adelphi theatre looked very emty and they upgraded everybody who had tickets for Upper Circle to Stalls or Dress Circle. Sally Ann was ok but Darius couldn't really pull it off. - 81.131.80.155) | 30 Nov 05 |
| I saw the show about five years ago with Frederika Haas and Anna Montanaro and enjoyed it very much. Five years on Chicago is not as tight and sharp in terms of choreography and direction although the music is still great. Un general I was quite underwhelmed with the current cast as well. - 81.131.31.247) | 30 Nov 05 |
| Awful show!(21st November) I hated every minute of it. Chicago is at its worst! Opening night for a new cast a the Upper Circle was close due to poor sales. Darius Danesh was so terrible that even makes you long for Michael Greco. - 81.131.35.43) | 30 Nov 05 |
| Sorry but the person who signed 'Chicago is a miss these days' really is talking about a different show when they say the performance on the 21st Nov had full rows of empty seats in the stalls. What rubbish ! The theatre was full that evening as well they would know if they were there, it's also total rubbish to say the audience were just family and friends. I was there that evening and saw a fantastic show by the whole cast, a full theatre full of regular theatre goers who all had a thoroughly enjoyable evening as they watched the show without the blinkers so obviously worn by a lot of the reviewers here who can't accept that this show has lasted in the West End due to an ever changing cast that keeps it fresh. You can't always have your favourite Roxie or Billy playing the part and it's unfair to the present cast to make comparisons. The current cast do a great job and Darius Danesh is a very welcome addition in my opinion. - 83.67.34.90) | 29 Nov 05 |
| Monday Night (28th) was my second visit to a production of Chicago. My first was in NYC and I have always enjoyed the Zeta Jones film. I was very disappointed by the whole cast. Darius Danesh was particularly bad as Billy Flynn and didn't hold the note at all in Both Reach For The Gun. - 213.122.105.233) | 29 Nov 05 |
| I loved the Show, Darius was particularly fantastic he commanded the stage and exceeded my expectations. I have booked tickets to see it again. - 62.64.239.208) | 28 Nov 05 |
| have been to see this on sat 26ht Novemeber, the 3.00pm matinee. The theatre was packed with people coning in from 2.15 up till the very last second before it started. I was very impressed with the leas ladies vocals, and the band. I was blown away by Darius Danesh as Billy Flynn. He owned the stage, with a statue befitting the leggy dancers and his leading lady, and never faltered once, his vocal were excellent, and his portrayal of the devious media wise lawyer was spot on!. The "we both went for the gun" performance was excellent, with Darius' statue adding to the puppet feel of petite Roxie on his lap. darisu received the bigggest cheers at the end, almost matched by the two leading ladies. I am going to go again, as I thoroughly enjoyed it. - 62.253.96.46) | 28 Nov 05 |
| Chicago really sucks. Ok, I used to love this show and it always made me happy to see it but not in its current state. - 82.138.209.34) | 28 Nov 05 |
| I went to see Chicago on November 21st just because a friend had complimentary tickets and he took me. I saw the show last year and I wasn't impressed. This time was worst. It was opening night for Darius who was quite weak. He of course got a big ovation at the end as the audience were mainly his family and friends who were there to support him. They were many full rows of empty seats in Stalls and only the front rows seemed to be busy. - 81.131.32.159) | 28 Nov 05 |
| I've seen Chicago three times. The first time in 1997, the second in 1998 and the third on November 26th. I so prefered two first visits to the show as the original cast was so great. I think Darius was awful, how did they go from Henry Goodman to him? Darius doesn't fit the part at all plus he can't act. Sally Ann Triplett was better. She can definately act and most definately can sing but her acting was weak. I think she could have been great with better direction. Chicago needs true talent both on and off the stage, please someone do something about it. - 213.122.65.239) | 28 Nov 05 |
| Mary Adams states that the theatre was quite empty on the 21st November. What a porkie! She obviously was not at the Adelphi. Both circles were open and the theatre appeared to be full. Darius Danesh received great applause after each of his 3 songs and a standing ovation at the end. I'm sure any of the celebrities who were in the audience that night e.g Dr Neil Fox,Daniel Bedingfield,Greg Rusedski or any memberof the audience whowasactually at the Adelphi on the 21st Nov. could confirm that. - 84.67.135.234) | 28 Nov 05 |
| With a cast like the present one, there is no doubt why Chicago is in so much trouble. I have seen the show a few times before, but here are my thoughts on the show on November 26th evening, it was terrible! Dull and boring, the singing and dancing were lacking energy, the comedy was missing, the sense of irony lost. I thought Sally-Anne Triplett could have been excellent as Roxy but she was surrounded by too many lazy dancing boys -or were they?- to make her numbers work. Darius Danesh was just awful as Billy Flynn, no sleazy but cheesy. Victor McGuire was ok as Amos, as was Chrissie Hammond as Mama. Chicago is a fine show but it needs in general a stronger cast and much better direction. - 81.131.105.233) | 27 Nov 05 |
| I just don't get the fuss about this musical. The criticism that Sally Ann Triplett is getting here is I think justfied up to a point. Her Roxie is not between the best I've seen, just average. Her Roxie monologue is her most boring number trying to hard to be funny. The boys don't help and the number seems endless. I think she was more suitable for Anything Goes. Amra Faye Wright was Velma, she was just ok but not very exciting. The ensemble looked bored and Darius does an awful Billy with terrible accent. Victor McGuire is fine as Amos. Chrissie Hammond is a very good Mama, her singing is just great but I don't think she has the look for the part. I saw it on Wednesday 23th November and it wasn't busy. I had a ticket for the Upper Circle but they closed it so my ticket was exchanged for a better one in Dress Circle. - 213.122.98.144) | 27 Nov 05 |
| Despite the many bad reviews here, I want to say that I went to London last week to see Chicago on Nov 21 Monday, and agreed it was the worst acted and produced version I have ever seen of this show! I've seen it many times in New York and also in Austria, Germany and Netherlands, but this was the worst time. Sally Ann Triplett and Amra-Faye Wright were fine, but they don't have much chemistry as Roxie & Velma, and Darius Danesh was a terrible Billy Flynn! As Mama Morton, Chrissie Hammond was good. Many of the theatregoers I spoke to during the interval in one of the dirty and overpriced bars said that they really thought the show wasn't so good anymore and the acting and singing were weak, blaming mainly the flat direction. The theatre was quite empty the staff wasn't very friendly. All of the above made this one trip no worth the expense! - 213.122.149.62) | 27 Nov 05 |
| I went to see the London production of Chicago on Friday 25th matinee. I also saw Mary Poppins on Thursday. What a difference! Give me Poppins anyday, really great show. I can't say many good things of Chicago I'm afraid. Sally Ann Triplett did an ok performance, voice fine but unsuitable for this show. Her best number was probably Me and my Baby with two very good dancers, she tried to hard to be funny in her Roxie monologue and it didn't work. Darius Danesh was a bit boring, his performance unremarkable and his accent weird. Velma was good, not brillinat though. It was just quite boring overall, Amos had a good voice, but it was not as good as I thought. Chrissie Hammond as Mama was very good, the best of the principals, and the ensemble were ok, some of them quite good dancers, except for Scott Ryan Vickers, Tobias Walboum and Katryn Dunn, I've seen better performers than them in amateurs productions. The whole thing didn't worked in general, there's something missing, some spark. The magic of this show is gone. At least we didn't pay much. We had £17,50 tickets in the Upper Balcony but it was close and we were taken to much better seats to the Dress Circle. - 81.131.44.154) | 26 Nov 05 |
| Having seen and loved Chicago eight times before I went again on Saturday 26th November -matinee- and this time it was really terrible, apart from maybe Sally Ann Triplett,although I wasn't totally convinced by her performance. - 81.131.104.130) | 26 Nov 05 |
| I saw the show on Friday matinee -25th November- and all I can say is how terribly disappointed I am. Chicago has always been in my top 5 favourite musicals but at the moment is really terrible. No wonder it was so very empty in spite of the many offers around. Darius is awful as Billy Flynn and kept changing his accent during the course of the performance. Truly bad. - 213.122.37.199) | 26 Nov 05 |
| I recently saw this show on Monday 21th November. I have to say that Sally Ann Triplett was ok, although hard to hear in some bits of Funny Honey and a tad over the top sometimes trying really too hard. The atmosphere on stage was not as good as the times I've seen it before, Chrissie Hammond was good as Mama, her singing was great, but I still miss Zee Asha, bring her back. Darius was of course as bad as expected, but I guess that's the whole point of bringing D-list celebrities, to see how pointless they are. The whole thing looked really tired and badly directed. - 81.131.7.97) | 26 Nov 05 |
| Caught the show on Weds, Nov 16, and enjoyed it very much - mostly for the stand-out performance of the drop-dead gorgeous Amra-Faye Wright, who wiped the stage with Ms Triplett, who was far too in-your-face, Betty-Boop-on-speed for my liking! Lynda Carter was only so=sdo, however. The stage show still runs rins around the film version! Well done Amra! Long may you reign! Billy Suter - 168.209.97.42) | 26 Nov 05 |
| Came back to see Chrissie Hammond again and Mama didn't disappoint. The show was very enjoyable. The leads all performed well including Danesh - he sang well(expected), danced fine, American accent passable, knew his lines and delivered them well. Right now he lacks the confidence to explore the character and play him more subtly. That should come with a few weeks' experience. I'm not surprised that people are disappointed and slate the show if they expect to see a Chicago which apes a multi-million pound movie with that medium's capability of transferring instantly from scene to scene and interchanging between reality and fantasy. It couldn't possibly work on stage unless the production was considerably longer and prohibitively expensive. This show's been running for eight years with minimal sets and costume changes and has always required the audience to use their imagination. The producers of the film left nothing to the imagination, even writing in scenes to explain Velma's acquittal. I was not expecting technicolor, so I came away from the Adelphi feeling well entertained and singing "All That Jazz." - 195.93.21.103) | 26 Nov 05 |
| Saw the show on Friday matinee. Wasn't very busy at all, in fact it was quite empty and there was not much of an atmosphere either. I have to say that having enjoyed the movie very much I found the live show to be really quite dull and lacklustre. I have never seen this musical before on stage, but I really love the film. Thought the show was very boring most of the time, especially because of Darius Danesh' terrible performance as Billy Flynn. The stage was quite empty as well, in fact there was no set at all. I don't normally mind minimalist sets but ii doesn't suit Chicago and it makes looked the whole performance very cheap. - 213.122.32.17) | 26 Nov 05 |
| Having just seen Chicago, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The various characters had separate appeal and there were some powerful performances. Victor Maguire added a comic and slightly pantomime feel to the evening with his portrayal of Amos. His refused request for an exit number left me wanting to call out awww! I was a little surprised there were no attempts made at any costume changes whatsoever, it became a little difficult to follow the storyline, when the same people played different characters! Another surprise was that when the dancers had finished a routine, they sat at the side of the stage on chairs instead of leaving and then re-entering the stage for their next scene. Darius was remarkable as Billy Flynn. For a novice actor performing on a West End stage, he looked extremely accomplished, and aquitted himself admirably! For me, his accent was spot on and he seemed word perfect throughout the show. His rich deep voice was well showcased in his first number All I Care About Is Love, and the highlight of the show was Billy Flynn's puppet song performance with Roxie Hart. Both comical and telling, with Roxie being manipulated and thrown around like a rag doll. Perhaps there could have been a sharper edge to Billy's character, something which the director might choose to give guidance on! Overall a good entertaining evening, I am glad I went! - 195.93.21.105) | 25 Nov 05 |
| I also saw this show last week and can only say the last three reviews, mark in particular have an axe to grind. why mention Darius as a pop idol loser and about his record contract, what does this have to do with a review of the show. I have recently seen this on tour twice and seen the film and I thought Darius was brilliant, he has a charisma and commands the stage considering especially as he has no acting experience. He kept the accent up completely throughout and I heard lots of comments around me on how good he was. The whole cast entered into the spirit of things and it was a thoroughly entertaining show. maggi. - 83.67.25.37) | 25 Nov 05 |
| I saw this show on the 22nd. I haven't been to a West End show for years and, the publicity persuaded me to give it a go. It would have been interesting to see Darius trying to act, and probably falling flat on his face. I loved most of the show. I was disappointed with the ending as it seemed lack lustre after what I found to be a brilliant evening of entertainment. I knew Darius Danesh could sing but I was surprised that he took the rest in his stride. He didn't look like a novice and he didn't act like a 25yr old. He came over as a controlling, charming individual who could easily be Billy Flynn. I'd seen the film and so it took me a little time to get used to this Roxy but, I think you find that with anything different to what you expect. I found the cast to be excellant. The dance routines and vocals were oustandingly good. I don't dislike Darius so I wasn't holding on to a 'popstars' prejudice of 5 or 6 yrs ago. I'd come to be entertained and I certainly was. I will go and see this again. I think Darius has a great future and, if people don't dislike what they perceive him to be and just watch the show, they will be impressed. - 80.3.32.6) | 25 Nov 05 |
| Another D list performance by Darius. I like Darius but not as a young Billy. I feel the production company is just so desperate to save the show. Just end the show with grace! - 86.129.170.170) | 25 Nov 05 |
| Really terrible. This definitely is the very worst cast I've ever seen, and I've seen many of them. I saw it on Thursday 24th november and the Adelphi theatre looked quite emty -no many more than 300 people I don't think- and we bought our tickets half price from TKTS. last minute decision and all the shows we were interested in were sold out so we decided to give it a chance. We would have probably been quite mad had we paid full price as it isn't worth it at all. Not much of an atmophere either, and most of the audience didn't seem very enthusiastic about it. I won't be going again for a very long time. Darius was dull and his American accent quite bad. he doesn't get the character, Billy is anything but cheesy. Didn't like sally Ann Triplett's interpretation of Roxie, although I think she's a good performer, in this case let down by the direction. Velma and Amos I could taken them or leave them, no more than adequate. - 81.131.97.153) | 25 Nov 05 |
| I saw the show in 1999 with Maria Friedman and enjoyed it but feklt underwhelmed by the ending. Six years on Chicago is as tight and sharp in terms of music and choreography but teh acting and main performances have dwindled in terms of sparkle. Darius looked and sounded good although his acting and accent were wobbly. Sally Ann Triplett's performance of Roxy is incredibly comic and skilled with superb physicality and has only been panned due to its originality of interpretation and comparisons to the film. Overall enjoyable but still underwhlemed! - 62.253.219.131) | 24 Nov 05 |
| Cracking show!(23rd November) I loved every minute of it. Chicago is back to its best! Fresh blood on the walls does indeed beat everything. Darius Danesh was a breath of fresh air as Billy - handsome and smooth but still totally believable as manipulative and devious. His accent was good and he kept it up all the way. He sang, danced and acted very well. I certainly wouldn't have picked him out as a beginner. I thought he was every bit as good as Marti Pellow whom I saw on tour. Sally Ann is very funny as Roxie and I really felt for poor Amos, ably played by Victor McGuire. I can't fault any of the cast - they seemed to be very together and enjoying themselves. I intend to see the show again very soon. - 84.66.107.245) | 24 Nov 05 |
| Saw it on Wednesday 23rd. Roxie was played by Sally Ann Triplett, who was very good in Anything Goes, and she was nly ok here. Mama Morton was Chrissie Hammond who was quite good and had a terrific singing voice. Thr celebrity guest is now Pop Idol loser Darius after having been dropped by his record label due to poor sales. His singing is fine but his acting is quite wooden and you can tell straight away he doesn't have the stage experience, very weak acting indeed, he doesn't have the edge that billy needs, too corny and cheesy. The rest of the cast is not even worth going into details as they don't even try. The direction is just flat, they just don't care anymore. We bought the £17,50 tickets in Upper Circle which was closed so we were upgraded to Great seats in Dress Circle. No much atmosphere either, I don't think they were more than 300 people there. - 81.131.128.254) | 24 Nov 05 |
| Monday Night (21st) was my second visit to a professional production of Chicago. My first was in a touring production at a regional theatre and I have always enjoyed the Zeta Jones/Zellweger/Gere film treatment. I was very impressed by the whole cast with Victor Maguire giving an excellent performance with just the right amount of comedy and pathos and how he slipped from one to the other with ease, allowing his previous personae in television comedy to be pushed from the mind. In regard to the lead players, it was hard to believe that this was Darius Danesh’s first night. He gave a polished, rounded, focussed performance. Those who haven’t been living in a cave for the last few years will be aware of his singing capabilities from his albums and singles, but his acting and movement skills were a revelation to many and the after-song applause and finale ovation was justly deserved. He commanded the stage (quite easily done with his immense height) and his presence reminded me of James Bond meets Cary Grant. I particularly liked “They both reached for the gun” where his interaction with Sally Anne Triplett as Roxie Hart as the “ventriloquist’s doll” was well received. If you have any doubts about going to see Chicago again, or for the first time, do go and see this production. Mr Danesh is surely a candidate for a best role takeover award and has confirmed that his talent is not just confined to the popular music industry. - 194.159.12.175) | 23 Nov 05 |
| Last night (21st Nov) I went to see Chicago live for the first time. I love the film and beforehand I was worried that the show didn't have different sets like that. I was mesmerised from the opening number on- what an energetic and amazing cast.Boy do the boys and girls of the ensemble work hard! For me, Sally Ann Triplett and Darius Danesh were outstanding and their scenes together were fantastic, especially Reached For The Gun. I was amazed it was his first night - he made it all look effortless. Victor McGuire's Amos was so touching and I loved Alex Weatherill's Mary Sunshine...what a voice! Chrissie Hammond also shone as Mama Morton. I couldn't get used to a blond Velma but could see the role was well enough played. When the show finished I just wanted to see it all over again. One of the best nights out at the theatre I've had this year. Excellent value - I'll definitely be back soon. - 84.66.47.107) | 23 Nov 05 |
| I saw Chicago on 21st November and thought the show was excellent. The cast seemed to work well together. Particular standouts were Sally Ann Triplett as Roxie and Darius Danesh as Billy Flynn. Both owned the stage, and in particular Mr Danesh impressed with his fine voice and acting skills. I would highly recommend this particular cast as a must see production. - 83.67.34.90) | 23 Nov 05 |
| CHICAGO Sucks. Ok, I used to love this musical and it always made me happy to see the show. Seeing it again after a two year break I can see how much this show has deteriorated, which is a pity since it used to be so wonderful. Sally Anne Triplet is not avery strong Roxie. I didn't care much for her version and I am disappointed that nobody in the current cast is particularly wonderful. I know... it's been running for a long time, but come on, the direction is now so flat. Velma wasn't great either, and ALL the ensemble were quite bland. Alex Weatherhill was ok as Mary Sunshine, great voice but not very funny. Billy Flynn is fine, his version was ok but unmemorable. Lynda Carter was awful and I don't understand why she took her bow coming down the stairs with just before Billy. Mama normally comes from the side and then Amos and Billy from the stairs. I suppose Amos has been demoted to feed the ego of the Z list celebrity. Chicago, you need help to become again the hottest show in town. - 213.122.112.202) | 23 Nov 05 |
| I went to see Chicago on November 7th just because Lynda Carter was starring in it. She didn't disappoint - Her performance was very good, as was the rest of the cast. Considering she hasn't sung in public for 18 years and this was her debut in the WestEnd, I thought she performed really well. When she and the rest of the cast came to thank the audience at the end of the show, she was very gracious and didn't get any more exposure than any other cast member, and neither did she try to build her part up in any way. The dancers and the singing were fantastic and all in all it turned out to be a very good evening. Mark - 132.185.240.122) | 22 Nov 05 |
| Saturday 19th November was my 16th time to see CHICAGO. But it was awful and definitely the worst and less enjoyable. Not much of an atmosphere either even for a Saturday matinee! Just a few deranged fans of Wonder Woman trying to make some noise and show some excitement every time Lynda Carter was on stage. Sally Ann Triplett gave a fine performance although I've seen much better Roxies. Terence Maynard was also fine, I like his Billy Flynn. The supporting cast quite lacklustre and the overall was very disappointing. - 213.122.92.100) | 22 Nov 05 |
| I've seen Chicago twice. The first time in August and the second on November 19th. I so prefered my second visit to the show as i think Lynda Carter was fantastic..She can definately act and most definately can sing..I think she was great,,,please come back again to the show..It needs true talent - 80.3.0.44) | 21 Nov 05 |
| Has anyone else noticed a pattern in the reviews on this site? State how many times you've seen the show, proceed to bash the present cast, and then sign off with just a first name or initials. With a large cast at any given time, there will always be some members weaker and stronger compared to other productions of the same show. Personally, I have too much of a life going on to hold a torch for cast members I saw two years ago. I HAVE seen the show a few times previously, but here are my thoughts on the show that I saw on Nov. 18 just gone, purely on its own merits - it was terrific!! Lively and animated, the singing and dancing were tight and just plain sexy, the comedy was spot-on, and there wasn't one of the leads that didn't carry his/her weight. I thought Sally-Anne Triplett, in particular, was excellent as Roxy (despite the many toxic words written about her on this site) giving an extremely engaging performance. The also much-criticised Terence Maynard was just fine as Billy Flynn, investing the character with a suitable self-assured sleaze. Victor McGuire also deserves special mention as a superb Amos, bringing great pathos to the part. And what's with all the Lynda Carter-bashing?? Is she just an easy target because she's a screen star with no apparent background in musicals? Not many people know she served her time as a live singer for many years before and after "Wonder Woman", and it shows here - she has a teffific singing voice that has deepened over the years and is just right for Mama, despite the venom that seems to have been heaped upon her here. Admittedly, I was a little dubious about her as a choice for Mama, based on previous Mamas who all seem to have been played by big ladies, so I didn't think she'd have the physical presence. I was wrong. Not only does she give a fine performance, but she has a strong stage presence that compensates for her lack of physical stature. She also seems to bring much of her own personality to the role, making her Mama a sweeter and decidedly more compassionate one than previous incarnations. It works surprisingly well. Granted, I am a fan of Lynda's, but as someone who has acted and sung on stage himself, I would never give praise where it wasn't deserved. (It's also worth mentioning that - to judge from the numbers waiting backstage to meet her - she was clearly a big draw, and was incredibly gracious with her time after the show.) "Chicago" is a fine show that, in my opinion, still has years of life left in it. All you nit-pickers should stop bashing it, and go get a new hobby!! - 159.134.112.186) | 21 Nov 05 |
| I just don't understand the fuss about this show. The criticism that Sally Ann Triplett is getting here is however a bit unfair. Her Roxie might not be one of the very best I've seen, but her approach to the character is quite valid. Ok, she can't compare with Ruthie Henshall, but she was still good. Her Roxie can not only sing and dance the role quite nicely, but she is also able to show the vulnerable side of the character. Sally Ann's delivery of the "Roxie" monologue is perhaps her weakest number as she tries too hard to connect with the audience and she's not relaxed on stage. The boys looked also quite bored in that number which end up being too long. All in all, I think it was a fine performance although she was much better in Anything Goes. Amra Faye Wright was Velma and thought she was just ok although her I Can't Do It Alone lacked energy. In general I didn't feel that there was any star power in the two leads. The ensemble looked a bit lacklustre and Terence Maynard does a fine although forgetable take of the role of Billy. Victor McGuire is unmemorable as Amos. Linda Carter is a very weak Mama, her singing is ok but her acting isn't and I don't think she has the right physic for the part. I saw it on Wednesday 16th November and it wasn't busy. I had a ticket for the Upper Circle but they closed it so my ticket was exchanged for a better one in Dress Circle. - 81.131.0.230) | 21 Nov 05 |
| Despite the many poor reviews here, I want to say that I flew from Washington DC to London last week to see "Chicago" four nights running from Nov. 15-18, and thought it was the best acted and produced version I have ever seen! (And I've seen it many times in NYC, DC, & LA!) Lynda Carter was just an Exceptionally Fantastic "Mama", and despite what other people have written here, SHE NEVER FORGOT HER LINES, NEVER MESSED UP HER ROLE AS THE "KEEPER OF THE KEYES", SANG WITH THE STRONG & BEAUTIFUL VOICE OF A "TORCH SINGER" AND WAS THE BEST "MAMA MORTON" I HAVE EVER SEEN, EACH AND EVERY EVENING!!!!!!!!! Sally Ann Triplett and Amra-Faye Wright were perfect, extremely animated and funny as Roxie & Velma, and Terence Maynard was a great Billy Flynn! But as Mama Morton, Lynda Carter brought a more human side to the role than I have seen before, really caring for her girls, and the utter shock on her face when "Catherine Hunyak" was hung spoke volumes to the audience!!!!! Many of the theatregoers I spoke to each evening said that they really enjoyed the acting and singing, praising the great cast as much as I did. Having seats twice in the stalls, once in the dress circle and one in the upper balcony, I saw that the theatre was quite full each and every evening; the staff was very friendly & helpful, and even recognized me more than once! All of the above, plus the marvellous fact that Ms. Carter tried to meet her many fans at the stage door many of the evenings I was there and attempted to speak to one and all, signing many photos and other offered items, plus patiently letting herself be photographed and videoed with her fans, made this one excellent trip which was more than worth the expense! - 69.250.85.42) | 20 Nov 05 |
| I went to see Chicago on Friday matinee. I also saw Billy Elliot on Thursday. What a difference! Give me the latter anyday, really fantastic show. I can't say too many positive things of Chicago. Sally Ann Triplett average performance, voice ok but unsuitable for this kind of show. Her best number was Me and my Baby with two great dancers, she tried to hard to be funny in Roxie and it didn't work. Terence Maynard was a bit dull, his performance unremarkable. Velma was good, not great though. It was just plain boring overall, Amos had a good voice, but it was not a great performance either. Lynda Carter as Mama was very bad and embarrasing, the worst of the principals, and the ensemble were ok, some of them quite good dancers, except for Fred Casely, good looking but useless dancer. The whole thing didn't quite worked in general, there's something missing. The magic of Chicago is gone At least we didn't pay too much. We had £17,50 tickets in the Upper Circle but it was close and we were upgraded to Dress Circle. - 81.131.91.23) | 19 Nov 05 |
| Having seen and loved the show five times before I went again on Saturday 12th November -matinee- and this time it was really awful, apart from maybe Sally Ann Triplett. - 82.138.209.34) | 14 Nov 05 |
| I saw the show on Friday night -11th November- and all I can say is that I am terribly disappointed. Chicago has always been one of my favourite musicals but at the moment is awful. No wonder it was so very empty on a Friday night. Lynda Carter is awful as Mama and kept messing up her lines. - 81.131.88.64) | 13 Nov 05 |
| I recently saw this show on 11th November, have to say that Sally Ann was good, although hard to her in some bits of Funny Honey, atmosphere on stage was not as good as before, Lynda Carter was good as Mama although she at times seemed to forget her words, her singing was good, but no where near as good as Zee Asha, bring her back. - 172.188.81.246) | 12 Nov 05 |
| Sorry but this show is rubbish. I really don't quite understand what the hype of this musical is all about, or maybe it was great when it first started. But right now I can only say that it's the only musical I've seen that I've nearly fallen asleep. And I went with a 'musical lover' friend as well who shared the same opinion. Very empty theatre and we were upgraded because the grand circle was close. - 213.122.78.88) | 10 Nov 05 |
| Saw it on Friday night. They never seem to get the right performers anymore. The casting of this show is essential to make it work and their latest ones haven´t been very wise. I won't be coming back to see Chicago for a very long time. And the Adelphi is so dirty and creepy and its rude box office staff really put me off. - 81.202.243.250) | 08 Nov 05 |
| Saw the show on last week. Wasn't very busy at all, not much of an atmosphere in the theatre either. Having enjoyed the film very much I found the show to be really quite boring. I have never seen Chicago before on stage, but I quite love the film. Thought the show was very dull, especially because of Linda Carter´s terrible performance as Mama. The stage seemed quite empty as well, no set at all. Looked very cheap - 81.41.203.157) | 06 Nov 05 |
| This was one time no so long ago a fantastic show, however now is really going downhill with its current cast in the London production at the Adelphi. It desperately needs a total re-cast including and specially many of the ensemble. Amra Faye Wright plays Velma and is a truly uninspiring take on the role, but even less inspiring was the take on Billy Flynn by Terence Maynard. A large number of the ensemble are quite weak with maybe tow or three exceptions. I'm not surprised at all that it wasn't busy at all on Friday night. There were full blocks of empty seats and the ones we had were reduced at half price! To make things worst staff at the Adelphi are rude and unhelpful. Sally Ann Triplett was Roxie, I thought she was the only one who lift the show a little bit. - 84.121.90.209) | 06 Nov 05 |
| I was at the matinee performance on saturday 28th October with my husband, and the theatre was full. I appreciate that the show has been running a long time, and has had a lot of famous people in the cast. So this might be the reaseon that a lot of the critics that have seen the show quite a few times have given it such a bad review. However we both thought that the show was excellent. We loved Sally Anne as Roxy her facial expressions were brilliant. And Terence Maynard as Billy was fantastic but, I have to say that Victor McGuire as Amos was a clever piece of casting, His timing was brill!!!. And as for the ensemble, you rock!! We can still hear the music, so the orchestra deserve praise as well, I wanted to jump up and dance! - 82.33.126.6) | 05 Nov 05 |
| I have seen Chicago six times now and I really believe this is the one time I have enjoyed it less. The music is still brilliant but Amra Faye Wright was one of the weakest Velmas I've seen. It was really dull and boring. The direction is totally flat. seenother Velmas. It's terrible to have two principals off on a Saturday. Simon Breen is too short for Billy and he's dull and boring. Those two even make Frances Ruffelle look good, which she isn't of course. G - 81.41.205.208) | 03 Nov 05 |
| OK people, everything you've heard it's true, Chicago is completely terrible at the moment. Real pity. With its current cast CHICAGO is not worth the £45 for a top price seat. Even with tickets sold at half price at TKTS still it´s not good value. It´s so sad to think that not so long ago this show used to be with no doubt the best musical in London. Guys and Dolls is superb at the moment and so it's Billy Elliot but I'm afraid Chicago is not anymore. Clearly it's not going to last in its current state. Sally Ann Triplett is ok but not brilliant, but then the rest of the principals are much much worse specially Lynda Carter. Amos was quite bland. The songs normally blow me away every time I see the show, but not when they are so terribly sang. Most of the other ensemble I didn't care much apart from a few of the girls. The boys were terrible, with maybe a couple of exceptions. - 81.202.210.222) | 02 Nov 05 |
| Really awful. This definitely is the worst cast I've ever seen, and I've seen many. I saw it last Saturday matinee and the theatre looked quite emty -no more than 300 people I don't think- and we got our tickets half price from TKTS. Everything else we were interested in was sold out so we decided to give it a go. We would have been quite angry had we paid full price as it isn't worth it. Not much of an atmophere either, most of the audience didn't seem very enthusiastic. I won't be going again until the whole cast is changed. - 213.122.114.172) | 01 Nov 05 |
| Saw the show on Tuesday for the 4th time. Principals were weak in general, with the exception of Sally Ann Triplett who wasn't as brilliant as I expected but still good. Linda Carter was just awful, there no words to describe how bad she is. What really let me down was the ensemble. They were the worst bunch I've seen in this show with very few exceptions. The only well executed number was Me And My Baby, which Sally Ann did with Steven Grace and Sergio Priftis probably the only two decent male dancers in the current ensemble. The show is a definite miss right now! - 81.131.152.121) | 27 Oct 05 |
| I just wanted to say that this fantastic show is in really bad shape at the moment. Amra Faye Wright -Velma- is not very strong a singer although her dancing is very good. Sally Ann Triplett is a much worst dancer in the Fosse style, her singing is fine but doesn't act her part very well missing many of the laughs. These two ladies don't have much chemistry on stage. Terrence Maynard is ok but nothing special and in fact none of the principals really shine in the current cast. Lynda Carter is the worst Mama I have seen, really bad. Awful male ensemble as well, specially Scott Ryan can't dance Vickers. The girls did a good job in Cell Block Tango and it was great to see Rachel Pressland doing the 'ten times' bit -thanks God the awful Katryb Dunn wasn't there- It was good that I only paid half price at TKTS as it's not worth the full price ticket at the moment. There were so many empty seats. I think the show is in real trouble. - 81.131.65.73) | 22 Oct 05 |
| Saw it on Saturday. Roxie was played by Sally Ann Triplett and she was ok. But Mama Morton was Lynda Carter who was terrible and couldn't remember her lines properly. The rest of the cast is not even worth mentioning. The direction in this show is now really flat, they just don't care anymore. mark willoughby - 82.138.209.34) | 17 Oct 05 |
| Linda Carter is not worth catching as Mama, she doesn't have any stage presence and her performance is quite boring, she delivers her lines very slowly and forgets her lines far too often. Sally Ann Triplett is certainly a very disappointing Roxie, good singer but just an ok dancer for the Fosse style, and her acting is a tad over the top while missing many of the laughs, she's more suited to more traditional musicals like Anything Goes. She has no much chemistry with Velma either. The ensemble look in general quite bored on stage. Two of the boys were good, the rest just useless. The girls were a bit better, apart from the one who does 'he run into my knife' who was awful. The show is really tired now and is becoming very boring, the energy is gone. - 81.131.234.151) | 15 Oct 05 |
| I went to see the show for the 4th time. I took my 11 year old with me as she loves the movie and we had front row seats. She thought it was awful and so did I this time around. - 82.138.209.34) | 10 Oct 05 |
| I saw Chicago for the third time last Friday and I have to agree with those who comment that the show looks really tired. At least this time around it did. Sally Ann Triplett is just not very good as Roxie and Ididn't care much for Velma either. Very empty theatre as well. - 213.122.73.138) | 07 Oct 05 |
| CHICAGO ROCKS. Ok, just so you people know I used to work at the Adelphi and it always made me happy to see the show. Seeing it again as an "audience member" after a two month, (or so) absence just brought back everything that makes it wonderful for me. Sally Anne Triplet is amazing. I love her Roxi version and Im kicking self cos i missed Francis Ruffelle the most wonderful Ruffelle I know.. Velma was great too, and ALL the ensemble were amazingly sexy and foxy... but no Rachel Pressland! :( (She just happens to be my favourite cos she does a fab go to hell kitty..AND she really DOES kick arse..like for REAL...). Anyway, although another favourite of mine,(Alex Weatherhill) was absent,the Understudy for Mary Sunshine was gorgeous and I wish to send them both HUUUUUUGE great big hugs. Billy Flynn is cool, in every sense of a way of being cool and smooth and Billy-Like. But I must say I do really miss Micheal French's version. (Before Brooke Sheilds came..cough cough..;)) THANK YOU Chicago, I love you and I always will. Emma xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx - 193.60.68.158) | 06 Oct 05 |
| I have been to see Chicago several times before, my favourite time was with Josefina Gabrielle and Anna Jane Casey, so great. But I saw it again last night and was appalled by the bad shape in which the show is right now. I saw Lynda Carter last night. I thought I'd never see a worse Mama Morton than Alison Moyet. I was wrong. Apart from her general attitude of "OK, audience, you can wake up now because I'm on stage", two parts of Carter's performance struck me as particularly poor. She wrecked the "Go-to-Hell Kitty" narration, omitting the first sentence and then galloping through the rest so fast that poor Ebony Molina's Kitty and her soon-to-be-victims were having to sprint around the stage to keep up. And then at the end of the show Carter spent so long bowing and taking her leave from the audience that the orchestra was forced to slow the music right down to give the remaining members of the cast time to hurry off before the final note. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so full of herself, and with so little justification. I don't know whether this is a result of poor direction or (as I suspect) someone who thinks herself above direction. Either way, the West End can only benefit when her contract runs out. Avoid. - 81.131.209.86) | 06 Oct 05 |
| Tonight was my 17th time to watch CHICAGO. BUT it was awful and the worst even though Saturday evening! The number of dancers, especially boys, is not enough. Where is Simon Breen who may be a dance captain? CHICAGO needs him now. Many people like his dance and performance. I like his Billy Flynn. Simon, I am very sad. I want to see your performance again before I leave. saikow@mail.goo.ne.jp - 62.252.0.10) | 01 Oct 05 |
| I went to see the show on Thursday night, and found it very dull with lots of flaws... and a new cast member who's anything but wonder! I was disappointed to see so few people in the theatre, the Upper Circle was close, only about 100 people in the Dress Circle and maybe a few more in Stalls. The show is much worse now than with previous casts, although I thought that both Sally Ann and Amhra gave a decent performance, even though they are not the strongest Roxie and Velma that I have seen. Terrence Maynard was very boring and dull as Billy, the other members of the cast and ensemble were not so great either! For anyone going to see the show - be aware the show is not so good anymore and Linda Carter is a weird choice for Mama! I laughed during the performance for all the wrong reasons, she can't act and her comic timing is terrible, she sang ok but she doesn't look like a Mama. This time I din't have a very good time like before. But then, this show is not like it used to. - 81.131.113.39) | 01 Oct 05 |
| Have seen this show many times and went back purely to see the two new leads on Friday but was very disappointed WITH THE WHOLE CAST. - 82.138.209.34) | 26 Sep 05 |
| I just don't understand the negative criticism Sally Ann Triplett is getting here. Her Roxie is one of the very best I've seen, right up there with Ruthie Henshall, Josefina Gabrielle and Rebecca Thornhill (only omitting Chita Rivera from the list because her performance, glorious as it was, was really about Chita not Roxie!). For the first time in ages, we have, in SAT, a Roxie who can not only sing and dance the role superbly, but who is also completely credible as the former chorine who starts to believe her own publicity and gets a second chance only to see her hopes dashed when the next big murder story breaks. Her transition from slightly gawky and nervy suburban housewife to full-on gorgeous vamp and then back to extreme disappointment is a fine piece of acting. Her delivery of the "Roxie" monologue is genuinely moving as SAT, despite being beautiful, is old enough to convey the desperation and disillusionment of the character at this point. Crucially, she is also genuinely lovable; I understood why men would fall over themselves for this Roxie...yet she also finds the steeliness required. All in all, I think it's a great performance and one that matches her earlier triumph in Anything Goes. Caught Rachel Stanley's penultimate perf as Velma and thought she was completely sensational: a cracking singer-dancer wth wit, style, warmth (unusual in this role), great comic timing and an uncanny resemblance to a young Annie Lennox! With such star power in the two leads, the ensemble looked a bit lacklustre,and Terence Maynard's Billy Flynn is a dull reading of the role. Victor McGuire is a wonderful Amos though, again one of the best I've seen. I know it gets a regular knocking here, but I still think it's one of the best shows on. - 195.82.123.181) | 26 Sep 05 |
| I totally understand why this show have not good reviews at this time. It's in a horrible state at the moment. I think Rachel Stanley gave a quite good performance on Thursday September 22nd. I did see the glorious original cast, and they are hard to follow but this is just ridiculous, no energy whatsoever. Zee Asha is a strong Mama, showing good skills but Sally Ann Triplett was very disappointing, she is definitely better singer than actress, never getting the laughs, and not a good dancer in Fosse style. I went out the theatre feeling cheated with the awful male ensemble -with the exception of Sergio Priffits-. They must realise that this production is really looking old and I'm disappointed that is not near as good as it was. Very empty theatre as well with the Upper Circle shut. - 213.122.67.43) | 24 Sep 05 |
| I went to see Chicago on Tuesday. I also saw The Producers on Monday. Give me the latter anyday, really wonderful. I can't say the same for Chicago. Sally Ann Triplett not a great performance, voice more suitable for oldies like Anything Goes. And not very enthusiastic either. Terence Maynard was off, promoting his fim Revolver according to an usherette, great, I thought, he started 2 weeks ago and he's already off. His understudy, Simon Breen, wasn't good as Billy Flynn. Velma was good, not great. It was just plain boring, Amos had a weak voice, not a great performance either. Zee Asha as Mama was very good, but the ensemble weren't very good either especially the boys! Too much. At least we didn't pay much. We had cheap tickets in the Upper Circle but were upgraded to Dress Circle. - 81.131.36.81) | 20 Sep 05 |
| Having seen and loved the show four times before I went again on Friday 16th September -matinee- and this time it was really awful, apart from maybe Rachel Stanley and Zee Asha. The theatre was quite empty, I don't think there were more than 200 people and the Upper circle was close. Truly dull with a very uncharismatic cast. Avoid diappointment, go see something else. - 213.122.69.47) | 16 Sep 05 |
| I saw the show on Saturday night (10th) and all I can say is that I am extremely disappointed. Chicago has always been one of my favourite shows but at the moment is awful. No wonder it was so empty on a saturday night. - 82.138.209.34) | 12 Sep 05 |
| I don't know see what others seem to in this show but at least on Friday 9th September Chicago was very bad. The evening show was quite empty, no more than 300 people, and the performance lacked energy. Staff lived up to their reputation for rudeness, especially a tall woman with long hair who was working -or was she?- in the Dress Circle and was more interested in chatting to other staff than in helping customers. Once the show started she started coming in and out through different doors very noisily and going up and down the stairs, she also talked loudly and giggled most of the time. Awful cast with the exception of Rachel Stanley and Zee Asha. This show has become really the one to avoid. - 213.122.210.200) | 10 Sep 05 |
| Sorry but I really don't understand what the hype of this musical is all about. I can only say it's the only musical I've seen that I've almost fallen asleep. And I went with an american friend as well and he shared the same opinion. Oh well, maybe he's from the west coast. - 86.138.0.45) | 09 Sep 05 |
| Saw it on Saturday night. They never seem to get it right anymore casting wise. I won't be seeing it for a long time - 82.138.209.34) | 05 Sep 05 |
| Saw the show on 03/09/05 evening. Wasn't very busy at all for a Saturday evening & not much of an atmosphere in the theatre either. Found the show to be quite boring. I have never seen Chicago before, but I really love the film. Thought the show was quite dull, especially because of Frances Ruffelle terrible performance as Roxie. The stage was quite empty as well and one of the ushers was saying that many ensemble members were off so they had less dancers than usual. Great, if the show is like that on a Saturday night I don't even want to think what kind of performance they give during the week. - 81.131.114.112) | 04 Sep 05 |
| This one time fantastic show is really going downhill with its current London production. It really needs a total re-cast including and specially principals. I went on bank Holiday Monday and two of the leads were understudies. Vanessa Leah Hicks played Velma and was truly awful, but even worst was Billy understudy -Simon Breen-. Most of the ensemble are terrible with very few exceptions. I'm not surprised at all that it wasn't sold out. Considering the Bank Holiday it should have been busier but there were full blocks of empty seats. To make things worst Frances Ruffelle was Roxie, I thought she had left already! - 213.122.141.207) | 31 Aug 05 |
| All I can say, is that I used to be a very dedicated supporter. I've always tried to see every new cast, and loved the show when it was in its prime. Now it is just awful. So really dreadful that I couldn't believe it. At least I was upgraded on Friday afternoon from a cheap Upper Circle ticket to a great seat in Stalls. It was really quite empty and there was not atmosphere at all. - 213.122.144.43) | 27 Aug 05 |
| I have seen Chicago four times now and I honestly believe this is the one time I have enjoyed less. The music is still great but Vanessa Leah Hicks was the worst Velma I've seen. It's terrible to have two principals off on a Saturday. Simon Breen is too short for Billy and he's dull and boring. Those two even make Frances Ruffelle look good, which she isn't of course. - 82.138.209.34) | 22 Aug 05 |
| OK folks, everything you've heard it's true, Chicago is rubbish at the moment. Real pity. With the current cast CHICAGO is not worth the £45 for a top price ticket. Even with tickets at half price at TKTS still not good value. sad to think that this show used to be the best musical in London. Mary Poppins is superb and so it's Billy Elliot but Chicago is not anymore. It's not going to last in its current state. let's bet shall we? Frances Ruffelle is not very good, but the rest of the principal are much worse. I guess I was unlucky to catch the show on Saturady 20th with two principals being understudies. Vanessa Leah Hicks was on as Velma, she looked awful in a blonde wig and her voice craked all the time, really embarrasing, and Simon Breen was equally bad as Billy Flynn, especially in Both Reached for the Gun, why does he look as mary Sunshine as if he is really afraid of her when he has to kiss her hand? Robert Hands, who was quite good in Mamma Mia,is very badly directed in here, his Amos is very agressive and angry all the time and you never feel for him, he got it totally wrong! The songs normally blow me away, but not when they are so badly sang. Most of the other performers I didn't care much apart from Zee Asha, who's a good Mama, and a few of the girls, who were strong in the Cell Block Tango. The boys were terrible, with a couple of exceptions. God forbid it should go any worse than this. i was thinking to go again when Sally Ann Triplett begins but I'm going to think it over. It's that scary. - 81.131.87.144) | 21 Aug 05 |
| Truly awful. This is the worst cast I've seen, and I've seen a few. I saw it last Friday matinee and the theatre was so emty -about 200 people- that they had to close the Upper Circle and relocate everybody in the lower floors. Not much of an atmophere either. I won't be going again. - 81.131.182.43) | 16 Aug 05 |
| Saw the show tonight for the 3rd time. Principals were good in general, with Clarke Peters's brilliant Billy Flynn. What really impressed me was the fantastic ensemble. They were the core of the show and every single one of them was exeptional.But I have to admit that my favorite number was Me And My Baby, with Steven Grace's and Sergio Priftis's amazing style. The show is a definate must for every serious theatregoer! - 172.213.111.235) | 16 Aug 05 |
| I just wanted to say that Chicago is in really bad shape at the moment. The woman who plays Velma is not very strong a singer although her dancing is good. Frances Ruffelle is much worst dancer and can't act. They don't have chemistry on stage. Clarke Peters is the best in the current cast. Zee Asha was off on Saturday night, but her understudy was quite decent. Awful male ensemble as well, especially Tobias Walbom and Scott Ryan. I'm glad I only paid half price at TKTS. There were many empty seats and I think the show is in its last legs. - 213.122.95.219) | 13 Aug 05 |
| correction to my review below..roxie was played by Frances Ruffelle...and mama morton by kay murphy (far to skinny to play mama) - 193.132.159.169) | 13 Aug 05 |
| Charly Isobel is not worth catching as Velma, she doesn't have much stage presence and her performance is quite boring. Frances Ruffelle is certainly a very bad Roxie, ok singer but terrible dancer and her acting is so over the top, and does she twists her legs all the time? She has no chemistry with Velma either. The ensemble look in general bored on stage. Two principals were understudies -Thursday night-, Billy was Simon Breen, very weak and coughing during the performance, maybe he shouldn't have gone on, and Mama was Kay Murphy, who was ok but I'd love to have seen Zee Asha. The show is really tired now and is becoming very boring, the energy is gone. - 213.122.188.59) | 13 Aug 05 |
| went to see the show for the 3rd time in a year..took my 10 year old with me..front row seats ..he thought it was magic..now previous i had seen the show with jill halfpenny (what a babe) and brooke shields yesterday roxie was played by somebody called kay murphy,not to bad..but not the strongest.charley izabella king was superb as previous..clarke peters was brilliant as billy flyn and played up to my 10 year old..as did velma..giving him the seductive eye...and even a rose at the end of the performance.....we enjoyed it but i would like to see a more prominent cast member plat roxie...as in brooke shilelds or jill halfpenny,or denise van houten...etc..but my 10 year old last words were.."when can we come again dad" mark willoughby - 193.132.159.169) | 13 Aug 05 |
| I saw Chicago for the second time last Saturday and I agree the show looked really tired this time around. Frances Ruffelle is just awful as Roxie and didn't care much for Velma either. - 82.138.209.34) | 08 Aug 05 |
| Went to see Chicago for the 5th time and have to say that this is the worst duo of murderesses I've ever seen! Was quite excited about seeing the new Velma, but have to say that I was very disappointed in Charley Izabel King (aka Helen Way. She had no stage presence. Her dancing was ok but gave nothing new to the role. Frances Ruffelle as Roxie was even worst. Her singing was quite poor and she can't dance at all. The only saving grace was Billy Flynn - Clark Peters is brilliant, good actor and great voice also. Have been a fan of the show and have seen it many times. I still think they should both go! I saw it on Friday matinee and the upper circle was close so we were upgraded to great seats in row E in dress circle, that was the only good thing. - 81.131.247.160) | 06 Aug 05 |
| I have been to see Chicago once before with Josefina Gabrielle and Anna Jane Casey, great but I saw it again last week and was appalled by the bad shape in which the show is right now. Avoid. - 82.138.209.34) | 01 Aug 05 |
| Clark Peters was for me the best performer in the current cast of Chicago. Everybody else was not as good. Brooke Shields doesn't have a a very good voice, but her acting was decent and she managed to be funny at the right times. But the show has become more and more dull with every new cast. Charley Elizabetta King was just ok, not great by any means, her Velma lacks stage presence. Robert hands did just an ok job, he was much better in Mamma Mia. The ensemble wasn't very strong especially the boys, some of them, like Fred Casely, really bad dancers. Chicago has become a very dull and boring show. - 213.122.121.44) | 28 Jul 05 |
| I went to see the show last night, and found it very enjoyable with lots of laughter... and jazz! I was disappointed to see so many people moan about the show in previous reviews, but I thought that both Brooke and Charley gave a good performance, even though they are not the strongest Roxie and Velma that I have seen before, I still enjoyed watching them dance, sing and act! Clarke Peters was great as Billy, the other members of the cast and ensemble were great too! For anyone going to see the show - just sit back and enjoy yourselves! I laughed and sang along with everyone else, and had a really good time! - 212.118.245.235) | 28 Jul 05 |
| Have seen this show many times and went back purely to see the two new leads on Friday afternoon -July 22-. Didn't get to see Brooke Shields as she was off but Kathryn Dunn was so awful as Roxie that it's not even worth going through details. She did everything wrong! Charley Elizabeth was ok, not great. Very weak supporting cast and a nearly empty theatre. The only good thing was to be upgraded from upper to dress circle. - 82.138.209.34) | 25 Jul 05 |
| I saw this show about seven years ago, before all the celebrity casting thing started. It was absolutely brilliant. I saw it again on Frday 22nd evening and it looked really awful. It lacks the energy and edge this show used to have. It was really empty. It was only something like 40% full, surprises at all. Brooke Shields was off, her ubderstudy was Kathryn Dunn, terrible actress and awful singer. It was actually quite embarrasing to watch her performance with all the jokes in Roxie quite badly delivered. Nobody laughed a single time during her monologue. It was in general a very weak cast. - 213.122.197.223) | 24 Jul 05 |
| Even if this show have not good reviews at this time, I think Charley Izabell King gave a quite good performance on last July 21st. Ok, I didn't see the glorious original cast, so I can't compare...but Charley has been strong as Velma must be, showing good skills and some weird way to sing 'all that jazz'...that I've actually liked. Brooke Shields is definetely better actress than singer and not a good dancer. But beautiful. I went out to the theatre happy, that is the most important thing, but I must recognize that this production starts to be old and I'm disappointed if people prefer watch the movie and don't go to the theatre. - 83.114.10.209) | 23 Jul 05 |
| I went to see C hicago yesterday. I also saw The Producers... Give me the latter anyday. Brooke Shields not a great performance, weak voice. And not very enthusiastic... Clark Peters good as Billy Flynn, and Velma wasn't great. It was just ok, Brooke Shields weak voice, not a great dancer. Charley King as Velma...weak and not as good as the previous Velma ... and the ensemble weren't very good either !!!! Too much. I think this show needs proper stars in the leading roles, I dont think this show will survive with just 1 and to be honest what has brooke done apart from blue lagoon. - 81.131.143.57) | 22 Jul 05 |
| Having seen and loved the show three times before I went again on Saturday 16th July and this time it was really bad, apart from maybe Clark Peters. For a Saturday night they even had full blocks of empty seats. Truly dull with very uncharismatic cast. - 82.138.209.34) | 18 Jul 05 |
| I saw the show on Friday night (15th) and all I can say is that I am truly disappointed. Chicago is my favourite musical, or perhaps I should say was. It is in a real bad state at the moment. Not even Clarke Peters and Zee Asha, two great performers, can save it. The two female leads were awful. I sat in Stalls and only 25% of the seats were filled which i thought it was quite surprising for a Friday night. - 81.131.107.89) | 16 Jul 05 |
| I don't know what others think but on Saturday 9th July Chicago was quite bad. The matinee show was quite empty and the performance lacked energy. Staff lived up to their reputation for rudeness. Awful cast. Avoid - 82.138.209.34) | 11 Jul 05 |
| All the amount of negative comments about this musical are true. The fact is that people are getting tired of the celebrities carousel. I've seen Chicago many times over the years and have always enjoyed it. However this time I was totally underwhelmed. I saw it on Friday 8th matinee and there weren't more than 200 people in the audience, so not much of an atmosphere anyway. Gosh, the show looks so tired and Brooke and Elizabeth make such an odd couple, not chemistry whatsoever. I was bored to tears. - 81.131.35.127) | 11 Jul 05 |
| Saw it on Monday night. They never seem to get a balance in which they have both decent lead performers and a decent ensemble. I was always sceptical about Brooke, but thought Charley would be a good addition. Yet both are wooden to say the least. I can not see any decent West End performer wishing to join the show, which means that they have to rely on reality show rejects. The other problem, which I think is more important is that the show has lost the ability to amuse. When it first started, and for the first few years, it was extremely radical. The irony was new and fresh, the minimalism of the stage was an antidote to the excesses of ALW musicals, and the humour reflected the era. Now it is a parody of itself. The only irony left, is the irony of having a show which has a central theme based on the brevity of fame, man's desire for titilation, and the nature of self publicity, and then employing people who are in fact tasting a very brief period of fame before they return to normality. New audiences can not be won, as there are so many more attractive shows, and the old fans, like myself, just pine for the days when Chicago meant something. - 213.122.74.236) | 05 Jul 05 |
| Saw show on 01/07/05. Wasn't very busy & not much of an atmosphere in theatre. Found the show excellent. I have never seen Chicago before, but I love the film. Thought the show was great, especially Brooke Shields. Amanda - 80.192.174.136) | 04 Jul 05 |
| This fantastic show is really going downhill with its London production. It needs a total re-cast including principals. Most of the ensemble are terrible. I'm not surprised that it wasn't sold out. I went Saturday night and there were full blocks of empty seats. To make things worst Zee Asha was out which is a pity as she's so good. - 82.138.209.34) | 04 Jul 05 |
| All I can add, is that I was a dedicated supporter. I always tried to see the new cast, and loved the show in it's prime. Now it is just dross. So much so, that at the interval I decided that it would be preferable to get the train in order to get a drink before last orders, rather than torture myself any further. - 83.166.176.16) | 01 Jul 05 |
| I have seen the show five times now and I really believe this is the one time I have enjoyed it less. It definitely needs so much more energy. I particularly enjoyed Clarke Peters's performance although it is a real pity that he's been teamed with two very weak Roxie and Velma who don't have any on stage chemistry. I saw the original cast in early 1998 and really thought it was fantastic. Then I saw it two more times in London and one on Broadway. I've always had a really good time seeing this show except for this time. I think that the London production has really gone down the hill with all the celebrity casting. It is truly a pity that most of the performers in the current cast are not near as good as Clark Peters. Brooke Shields' acting is just ok but she doesn't look too confident in the part of Roxie. She is able to carry a tune but is quite a clumpsy dancer. She looks good though. - 213.122.74.50) | 28 Jun 05 |
| OK folks. Lighten up. Even with the current cast CHICAGO is still the best musical in London. Mary Poppins is superb but let's fast forward to 2013 and see how it's doing then shall we? Brooke Shields is good and the songs blow most of the other scores off the stage. God forbid it should close and then you can all rush out to see those marvellous musicals the Woman in White and Phantom. Yeah right. It's that scary. - 81.3.119.218) | 27 Jun 05 |
| Truly awful. This is the worst cast I've seen, and I've seen a few. - 82.138.209.34) | 27 Jun 05 |
| Went to see Chicago on Sat 25th June and it has really improved a lot.The theatre was full and the energy was fantastic.There was a much better chemistry between Roxie and Vilma.All main characters superb.Definately still a great show! - 194.72.131.19) | 27 Jun 05 |
| I just wanted to say that the show really sucks at this point. The woman who plays Velma is really weak and looks like a weird middle age LA woman obsessed with fitness and plastic surgery. Please bring Anna Montanaro back. Brooke Shields is not much better and they don't seem to have much chemistry on stage. Thanks Heavens for Clarke Peters. Zee Asha was off on Wednesday night, but her understudy was quite good. Bad male ensemble also, especially Fred Casely and Aaron. - 81.131.140.45) | 23 Jun 05 |
| What a terrible and hideous night of pure boredom. I saw it on Saturday 19th matinee show. The theatre was only about 50% full which is not great for a Saturday. But on the other hand considering the awful state in which this show is at the moment it's not surprise that the box office is doing well. Brooke Shields is no more than adequate as Roxie plus she's not surrounded by a competent male ensemble. Ducks can actually dance better than some of the boys in this cast. Scott Vickers and the one qho plays Fred Casely are especially bad. The girls are better but nothing special except for the one who made the annoncement who is truly awful and has no stage presence at all. Her line delivery in Cell Block Tango was embarrasing. Velma was boring and lacks stage presence. Clark Peters was good as Billy, the only one who lifted the show a bit. The accents are another bad thing apart from the three leads, for obvious reasons. Most of the ensemble didn't sound American at all. In the case of Fred Casely, is difficult to understand what he is talking about. Also it was very hot in the theatre. Probably this was to make customers go to spend £2 in a bottle of water in their filthy bars. - 81.131.186.80) | 18 Jun 05 |
| Charly Whatshername is not worth catching as Velma, she lacks stage presence and her performance is quite a dull one. Brooke Shields is certainly an ok Roxie, not the best singer and dancer but her acting is good. Unfortunately she has no chemistry with Velma and they make a very odd couple. Everybody else looks bored on stage with very few exceptions. The show looks so tired that is really becoming boring to watch. - 81.131.219.233) | 14 Jun 05 |
| I went to see this musical on Wednesday June 8th. I thought it was really bad in general. Pity as it used to be really good four or five years ago. Brooke Shields was fine, not the best singer or dancer but her acting is good. Velma wasn't very good and the show in general wasn't energetic at all. The theatre was quite empty. - 81.131.206.159) | 09 Jun 05 |
| I saw chicago for the first time last night (7th june) and i agree brooke shields dancing isn't completely natural but her acting made up for it and velma lacking charisma? i must have caught her on a good night because she was brilliant! Billy Flynn was absoloutely amazing, played the part perfectly with a mesmerizing voice, and the actor playing miss sunshine had one of the most phenomenal voices I've ever heard, worth seeing the play just for that! Anyone that doesn't see this play is seriously missing out. - 62.255.64.10) | 08 Jun 05 |
| Went to see Chicago for the 14th time and have to say - this is the worst duo of murderesses ever!!!!!! Was really excited about seeing the new Velma - have a thing about Velmas, but have to say.....was very disappointed in Charley Izabella King (aka Helen Way) - *her voice was not up to the standard of previous Velmas *she had no stage presence - found myself always looking at everyone else, rather than her *she had such strange physicality - didn't seem to have grasped the Fosse-ness! Her dancing was 'fine' - she'd learnt the steps but gave nothing to the role! Brooke Shields as Roxie , did 'give' to the role, but really needs to up her pace - Roxie's soliloquoy took about 35 minutes!! - think she's too used to acting infron of camera rather than stage! *her singing was poor - Brooke plus Charley doing 'My Own Best Friend' was painfully rubbish! The only saving grace was the new Billy Flynn - CLARKE PETERS is FANTASTIC - really just walks in and makes the part his own - he commands the stage so much and has such a sexy gravelly voice - this man is brilliant and such an inspiration!!! Being such a fan of the show and having seen it so many times may mean that I'm overly harsh of performances - BUT I also was really annoyed that during the calls Roxie and Velma had seperate bows - this has NEVER happened before - why all of a sudden is Brooke Shields awarded her own bow - Charley did just as much of the work!! That really annoyed me! But I still think they should both go! Bring back best Roxie and Velma - BEST ROXIE - Rebecca Thornhill / Ruthie Henshall BEST VELMA - Anna-Jane Casey - 81.131.20.145) | 06 Jun 05 |
| I have been to see Chicago three times in the last six years, the first with Frederika Hass and Anna Montanaro, excellent, then with Chita Rivera and valarie Pettiford, absolutely brilliant. Thought it was time to revisit the show and my disappointment couldn't be bigger. Brooke Shields acts ok and sings decently but can't really dance, her Roxie is a bit bland compare to the other two Roxies I've seen. The woman who plays Velma lacks charisma and stage presence and her performance is weak. The show doesn't have the energy it used to and it's becoming a joke with all the celebrity casting. - 213.122.127.89) | 03 Jun 05 |
| Clark peters was for me the highlight of my visit to Chicago on Saturday 28th May. Everybody else was a disappointment. Brooke Shields doesn't have a great voice, her acting was ok. Her best moment was Both Reached for the Gun as she didn't have to sing to do the dummy part, it was kind of funny. After that number the show became more and more dull. Charley Whatever Whatever was just ok, not brilliant, her Velma lacks charisma. Robert hands did a decent job. The company wasn't very energetic especially the boys. Chicago has become a very dull and boring show. And the Adelphi has to be the hottest theatre in London, almost unbereable. Do they keep the auditorium so hot to sell more of their disgustingly overpriced ice creams and water at interval time? - 213.122.32.57) | 29 May 05 |
| The performance we saw today was remarkable! We thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who is thinking of shelling out £45 to go! I especially enjoyed Brooke Shield's acting. She was a little rusty on her first number 'Funny Honey' but warmed into the role superbly. - 217.206.168.163) | 28 May 05 |
| Have seen this show countless times and went back purely to see the two new "Merry Murderesses": Brooke Shields makes up in sheer charisma what she lacks as a dancer, and is frequently very funny and oddly touching (her "Roxie" monologue is one of the best I've seen) although her singing's very weak. Charley Izabella King is a glamorous, technically brilliant Velma, although can't help feeling she's a bit soft...maybe more of a Roxie? Great to see Clarke Peters again as an outstanding Billy Flynn, while Robert Hands and Zee Asha must surely be amongst the best ever to play Amos and Mana: they're both terrific. As for the ensemble, the women are fine but the men are seriously dull. All in all, was still glad I went. The show is a classic. - 195.82.123.181) | 28 May 05 |
| I saw this show about six years ago, before the celebrity cast thing started. It was so good. I saw it again on Frday 27th evening and it looked realy tired. It lacks energy and excitement. It was really hot inside the theatre which made it more difficult to concentrate. It was only something like 50%, no surprises there. Brooke Shields was ok, better actress than singer but it was in general a very uninspiring cast. - 81.131.100.70) | 28 May 05 |
| I didn´t like the performance of Chicago that I saw, especially after seeing the film first. Brooke Shields is a good actress but her dancing is not so good. Charley Izabella King -without doubt the most ridiculous name in showbiz- is just adequate. Simon Brenn has no stage presence. The ensemble looked bored. - 81.202.242.109) | 23 May 05 |
| i went to see chicago yesterday,i also saw it in february...give me the february cast anyday..jill halfpenny..sex on legs great performance strong voice..and very enthusiastic...micheal french superb as billy flynn,and vellma was great,that was feb.yesterday was just ok,brooke shields weak voice,not a great cancer,charley king as velma...great but not as good as the velma in feb...and simon breen as billy..erm !!!! i think this show needs 3 stars in the leading roles,i dont think this show will survive with just 1 and to be honest what has brooke done apart from blue lagoon. - 205.188.117.136) | 21 May 05 |
| Having seen and loved the show twice before I went again on 17th May and this time it didn´t live up to my expectations. Nothing to do with Brooke Shields, she acts well altuogh she´s not a strong dancer. I just thought that in general the show looks tired. - 81.41.203.75) | 20 May 05 |
| I saw the show on Monday night (16th) and all I have to say is that I am very disappointed. This is my favourite show, or maybe I should say was. In a real bad state at the moment. - 81.202.240.158) | 17 May 05 |
| I don't know what musical others went to but on Saturday 14th May Chicago was quite bad. Didn't care for anyone in particular and Brooke Shields was a bit of a disappointment. Although her acting was good, her singing and dancing weren't and doesn't seem to be too confident on stage. The show looked dull in general. I guess the fact that it was so hot in the theatre didn't help either. I was sweating like a pig, like most of the audience. Some strange people in the audience as well, some of them were drunk and disturbing to other patrons. I complain to an usherette called Emma so she would tell them to stop talking but she said quite arrogantly that that wasn't her job and I should complain to the manager at the interval. So what's supposed to be an usherette's job? Can anyone explain? Anyway I wasn't impressed with either the show or the staff at the Adelphi. - 81.131.116.14) | 17 May 05 |
| All the many negative comments about this show seem to stem from the fact that throughout the 8 years it has been running we all have different ideas about what our ideal Velma and Roxie should be - it seem pointless to continually compare the every changing cast to the previous ever changing cast, they have gone now so give a new cast a chance or sit at home and flick through your souvenir brochure. Saw Brooke on Saturday and she as great. She is a natural comedienne (and having seen her as Sally Bowles she is no slouch in the dramatic parts either) her Roxie was warm, energetic and confident. her rendition of 'ROXIE' was excitingly multi-layered and she found new humour in the part that was both refreshing and very funny. Her 'Nowadays' was heartbreaking and 'Funny Honey' sizzled. It takes a class act to make this part live and Brooke triumphs. - 62.255.64.10) | 16 May 05 |
| The show was quite dull on Wednesday 11th of May when I took a friend to see it. I really thought he would like Chicago because it's very different to all the other current shows in the West End, but I'm afraid he didn't and neither did I. Mama Morton was played by understudy Kay Murphy who sang well but doesn't have the right physique for the part. I was so disappointed to find out that Zee Asha wasn't performing on that night. Mary Sunshine was a bit weak, good singing voice but played in a extremely boring way. Performers in bigger roles did not quite seem to deliver even an adequate performance. Simon Breen was just ok, he's short for the part and does not look good as Billy and acts as if he's afraid of mary Sunshine. Charlie Izabella King didn't do very well as Velma especially if you take into consideration the fact that she was teamed with Josefina Gabrielle who is very good as Roxie. With so little, on stage they really need very strong and charismatic performers to keep the ausience entertained for over two hours. It is really bad that most of the current cast don't any charisma. Most of the comments from the public at the end of the show were very unenthusiastic. I didn't like the fact that people are allowed to take alcohol inside the theatre. Many people didn't like the show for whatever reasons but they kept going to the bar to get more drinks and they were chatting during the performance and complaining that there wasn't a set. The theatre also has terribly overpriced bars, they charge £2 for mineral water. It was a very bad night out, and you really wished you had spend it at home. - 81.131.23.142) | 14 May 05 |
| If you look back you can feel really sad at how good this show was and how bad it is now. And the Adelphi is so creepy. - 82.138.209.34) | 09 May 05 |
| This great show is really going downhill. It needs a total re-cast, most of the ensemble are less than adequate. The ensemble was so much better when I saw it about years ago, they were energetic enough to make the musical numbers work. The current boys, although good looking -well, some of them-, dance very badly. Josefina Gabrielle is quite good as Roxie though. Anna Montanaro is very good as Velma although she has a very thick German accent. Simon Breen -Billy undrestudy- ia very weak and lacks the charm needed for the part. Zee Asha was good but, in general, it was a terribly disappointing night. - 81.131.203.23) | 07 May 05 |
| I went to see the matinee of Chicago at the Adelphi on 30th April '05 - currently staring amongst others Brooke Shields.I've been desperate to see it for years but never got round to it & when i got my chance i jumped at it. Sadly the show did not live up to previous reviews or my expectations.Taking into account the recent changes made to the cast & the fact morale must be waining slightly - it was still well below what i thought i would be watching. The choreography was out, the singing was off & there was no atmosphere what so ever. I was disappointed to the extent that i left at the interval - which was later than some others had chosen to walk out. Lets hope they get it back on track soon!. - 217.137.80.60) | 02 May 05 |
| I have seen the show six times now and I think this is the one i enjoyed less. It really needs so much more energy. I particularly enjoyed Anna Montanaro's performance but it is a real pity she's been teamed with Brooke Shields as they don't have any chemistry. I saw the original 1997 cast and really thought it was superb. I saw it three more times in London and one on Broadway and I've always had a very good time seeing Chicago except for this time. The current London production has really gone down the hill. It is a real pity that most of the performers in the current cast are not as good as Montanaro. Brooke acting is ok although she doesn't look very confident in the part. She sings fine but is a very clumpsy dancer and really spoilt Hot Honey Rug. Another problem now is that with Michael French sacked, gone or whatever, Billy is play by dull understudy Simon Breen who's much shorter than Brooke. They make a very odd couple in Reached for the Gun. Shields really needs a taller and less boring Billy as well as a new wig as she looks hidious in it. - 213.122.113.131) | 30 Apr 05 |
| First London show I've been to and I was not disappointed. Enjoyed the dancing, and comedy and surprised how good Brooke Shields was. Theatre itself bit disappointing although seats were comfortable and plenty of leg room. Wine at £4.80 a glass and small tub of icecream at £3 a rip off though. - 62.255.0.5) | 30 Apr 05 |
| Oh dear ,its such a shame ,this show should be taken off as the standard of it now is awful and all this will Brooke be on tonight or not bollocks is absolutely ridiculous and everyone at the Adelphi is now a laughing stock in the theatre world. - 195.93.21.101) | 27 Apr 05 |
| Anna Montanaro is very good and so charismatic, really one of the best performers to play Velmas. Maybe the current one is not an ideal cast, but still is an enjoyable show. I would have given it 3 stars, but considering the overall of my night out 2 is more than enough. Queue to pick up tickets too long, only one window, rude box office staff, dirty theatre, rude FOH staff, overpriced bars. I could go on but I guess people get the idea. I won't be going back to the Adelphi any time soon. - 82.138.209.34) | 25 Apr 05 |
| I just wanted to add that, although the show may suck royally at this point (no different from Broadway) Anna Montanaro, when she's in good shape, kicks some serious as* as Velma. Except for Bebe Neuwirth (who is a cleaner dancer and has slightly better comic timing and warmth), there is no matching Ms. Montanaro. Brooke Shields is not going to fare well next to her, I can tell you that much right now. - 68.226.2.226) | 23 Apr 05 |
| What a dreadful, hideous night of pure dullness. I saw it on Friday 22nd evening show. The theatre was about 50% full which is not surprise considering the state in which this show is at the moment. Josefina Gabrielle is quite good, pity she's not surrounded by a good enough cast. The accents are the worst thing. Most of the cast didn't sound American at all. In some cases, like Fred Casely, is difficult to understand what he says. It was also very hot inside the theatre probably to make patrons go and spend their money in the overpriced and dirty bars. The whole place is really a pigsty. - 81.131.211.44) | 23 Apr 05 |
| Anna Montanaro is well worth catching as Velma and Josefina Gabrielle is certainly a good Roxie. Unfortunately nobody else is in the same league and the show looks so tired that is becoming boring to watch. - 82.138.209.34) | 18 Apr 05 |
| I went to see this show on Monday April 11th. I thought it was very bad in general. Pity as it used to be so good a few years back. Josefina Gabrielle was off and her understudy was quite average and very underrehearsed. - 213.122.3.1) | 16 Apr 05 |
| I saw the production on Thursday 7th April. Thought Robert Hands was ok as Amos and Anna Montanaro gave a very good performance as Velma. This was the third time I have been to see it and I can't really compare with other recent casts, only saw the excellent original cast and the second one with Nicola Huges and Maria Friedman. Both times it was great but not this time. Jill Halfpenny was just ok as Roxie. She sings well but her acting wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. Micheal French was off and the understudy was awful. I really wanted to see the show but I was very let down as the current ensemble, although good looking, don't seem to be near as good as the original ones. They were weak in general. I could still appreciate what a great musical Chicago is, everybody should be as good as Anna to really make the show work. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. The theatre was really hot, you couldn't even breath and the bars are quite dirty and overpriced. A very disappointing night out. - 82.138.209.34) | 11 Apr 05 |
| I liked Jill Halfpenny in Strictly Come Dancing but I was a bit let down by her in Chicago. As a performer she's ok but lacks stage presence and looked out of place in this show, but I guess she was surrounded by some lacklustre ensemble members who didn't help. She was really trying hard in her Roxie number but the boys were just passing by, not even dancing, just moving a bit and looking bored. Anna Montanaro was good as velma, very energetic. Michael French was off and Billy was played by Simon Breen who was pretty bad. - 81.135.36.36) | 11 Apr 05 |
| I have been to see Chicago twice in the last six months, the first with David Hasselhoff and the second with Jill Halfpenny. There is no doubt that Jill Halfpenny had better stage presence, and a great voice. I think she has done a fantastic job and its a shame her run has come to an end. David Hasselhoff on the other hand was very much 'look at me I'm the star of the show' which put me off straight away. I hope that Jill continues doing what she does best and if David Hasselhoff comes to the West End, lets just say I'll be at the back of the queue to go see that! - 195.92.168.163) | 10 Apr 05 |
| Michael French was off on Wednesday 6th March and that was a disappointment. His understudy doesn't have a great voice, no stage presence either. His worst song was Both Reached for the Gun as he didn't change his voice to do the dummy part, therefore it wasn't funny. Jill Halfpenny was ok, not brilliant. Anna Montanaro was off and Vanessa Leah Hicks was terrible as Velma and sounded off key most of the time. The company wasn't very energetic and Chicago has become a miss. - 81.131.179.119) | 09 Apr 05 |
| I'm not very impressed at all with the current performers. Jill Halfpenny is just plain weak as Roxie, no charisma on stage. Nobody shines and the show lacks energy. - 82.138.209.34) | 04 Apr 05 |
| I had not seen Chicago before either on stage or the movie. Therefore I can only take it at face value on the performance I saw. I must say that this show is really overrated and not worth the admission price. No set, unimaginative costumes and dull performances. - 213.122.124.45) | 03 Apr 05 |
| I saw Chicago a few years ago before the celebrity cast thing started. It was fantastic. Amazing routines from the leads. I saw it again recently with Jill Halfpenny. Its a tired show now - still looks good if you saw for the first time - but nowhere near the same. They have cut some of the lead dance routines - to allow for the fact the "celebrities" can't do them. The auditorium is also packed full of bus trips - whispering - "here she is her from East Enders". Tired and unexciting. - 62.253.215.25) | 01 Apr 05 |
| I absolutely hated the performance of Chicago that I saw, after seeing the film first. Jill Hlfpenny is weak and the rest of the cast as well except maybe Velma and a couple of others. - 213.94.0.64) | 01 Apr 05 |
| I really think this show is not looking very well right now. I last saw it in London with Frederika Hass and Anna Montanaro and it was so great. Of course it's great to have Anna back as she is sooo good. And so is Zee Asha as Mama but Jill Halfpenny lacks credibility as Roxie. She acts, dances and sings ok but her Roxie really needs to be a bit more trashy and she needs to work at it. There's nothing exciting in her performance. Her Roxie is most of the time dull and she doesn't handle the part with enough confidence. The number Roxie becomes soon a bit boring. Michael French was off on Friday afternoon so I can't judge his performance but his understudy Simon Breen wasn't very good and has no stage presence. The production is not very tight at the moment and is badly directed. I wonder why don't they bring back some of the original team to take care of the direction and choreography, it's needed badly. The ensemble look quite good although some of them still need to learn the Fosse technique properly. I was also appalled by the awful view in the second row Dress Circle. As soon as the show begun, people in the front row had to lean forward because their view was obstructed by a rail. Their heads were on the way for people in the second row to see. Seat are also extremely crammed wit very little legroom. - 213.122.40.133) | 28 Mar 05 |
| Having seen and loved the show in February I went again on 26th March and it was even better! They've had a bit of a revamp and it's beyond brilliant. Jill Halfpenny is just fantastic (and gorgeous), as is Michael French. I can't imagine it without them... - 195.93.21.101) | 27 Mar 05 |
| I saw the show on Friday night (25th) and I have to say that I am very disappointed. This is my all time favourite musical but it looks so tired in this London production. Anna Montanaro was very good as Velma but not as good as Ute Lemper who's still for me the ultimate Velma. Jill Halfpenny doesn't sing very well, she dances ok but doesn't quite get the Fosse style and her acting is not more than adequate even a bit boring, she doesn't look as good as in the promotional shots. The ensemble is not a very exciting one and I've seen much better. The show in general lacks the magic that it used to have even 3 or 4 years ago. I have seen it before in London three times and it was much, much better than this time but anyway I believe the Broadway production is the so much better as they all do the Fosse style much more confidently. - 81.131.188.221) | 26 Mar 05 |
| Don't know what musical others went to but the one I saw on Saturday 19th March was really bad. Didn't care for anyone in particular but Jill Halpenny was the biggest disappointment. I guess the fact that it was really hot in the theatre didn't help. I was really sweating, like the majority of the audience. If the Adelphi is this hot in March don't want to think how it will be in Summer. Very weird audience as well, many people were quite drunk and talk all through the performance. One man was throwing up a few rows ahead of me. Can't even imagine how awful might have been for people seating around him. - 213.122.92.17) | 21 Mar 05 |
| I don't know how anyone can think that Jill Halfpenny is weak at playing Roxie. She is amazing, and I've been to see Chicago twice, and am going again next week just to see Jill again, because she plays the part so well. Plus, she's beautiful! (I've sat in the front row each time... which is excellent.. as you feel as if you're almost on stage... no heads in the way, and the cast always smile and wink at you...!)I recommend that you see Chicago whilst Jill is starring in it. I also saw the same show last year, although cannot remember who played Roxie then... but, comparing the other woman and Jill... Jill is by far the best. - 62.254.128.6) | 20 Mar 05 |
| The show was quite dull on Tuesday 15 of March when I took a friend to see it who doesn't even care much for musicals. I really thought she would like Chicago because it's different to all the other shows in the West End, but I'm afraid she didn't and neither did I. Mama Morton was played Kay Murphy who sang well but was too young for the part. I was gutted to find out that Zee Asha wasn't on that night. Mary Sunshine was quite weak, good singing voice but played in a very boring way. Those in bigger roles did not quite seem to deliver. Michael French was just ok, looks good as Billy but didn't hold the note at the end of Gun. Anna Montanaro did very well as Velma especially considering that she was teamed with Jill Halfpenny who is ok as an actress but sings dreadfully. With so little, nearly nothing, on stage they really need very strong and charismatic performers who are able to entertain and captivate the imagination of the public for over two hours. It is unfortunate that most of the current cast members don't have what it takes to make this show work as nicely as it used to. Most of the comments from the patrons at the end of the performance were totally unenthusiastic. The fact that people are allowed to take alcohol inside the theatre doesn't help either. Many people didn't like the show for whatever reasons but they kept going to the bar to get more drinks and they were chatting during the performance and complaining that there wasn't a set. The theatre also has terribly overpriced bars, they charge £2 for mineral water. It was a very bad night out, and you really wished you had spend it at home. - 81.131.159.132) | 19 Mar 05 |
| If you look back down this list to before Jill began the show a lot of people were negative about her before she even set foot on the stage. I think she has proved all those people wrong. And I'm no Eastenders fan either! - 172.215.191.192) | 18 Mar 05 |
| How is it possible that this great show is really going so downhill? It needs a total re-cast, they should bring American performers over here. The ensemble is so much better in the Broadway production that I saw last year, energetic enough to make the musical numbers work and they really can dance the Fosse style, a quality the British ensemble seems to lack, except for maybe a couple of girls. The current boys, although nice to look at, dance very mechanically with little energy and they just seem to be passing by. Jill Halfpenny is quite weak as Roxie. Thanks good for Anna Montanaro who is very good as Velma although she has no chemistry with Halpenny. She worked so well with Maria Friedman when they did it together about 6 years ago. Michael French and Zee Asha were good but, in general, it was a very disappointing night. - 81.131.53.139) | 14 Mar 05 |
| I really enjoyed the show..especially with the current cast. Jill Halfpenny was fantastic and Michael French equally so. Thoroughly reccommend it.. - 80.41.157.175) | 13 Mar 05 |
| I have seen the show five times -four with Anna Montanaro- now and I think it really needs much more energy. I particularly enjoyed Montanaro's performance although it is a pity she's been teamed with the very weak Jill Halfpenny. I saw the original 1997 cast with Ruthie and Ute and thought it was superb. Then I saw the Vienna production with Frederika Hass and Montanaro, and thought it was also wonderful. Later on I saw both of them again in the London production and then The Broadway one with Montanaro and Nana Visitor. I've always had a great time seeing Chicago except with the current London production which I think has gone down the hill. Pity that most of the current performers are not in the same league as Montanaro. - 81.131.39.194) | 10 Mar 05 |
| Never seen the show or film before so I can't compare casts. Jill was excellent, as was Michael. Some snobbery here perhaps? - 172.200.26.223) | 09 Mar 05 |
| Saw the show on March 2nd and was bitterly disappointed. After hearing rave reviews about it, I found it dull and lacklustre. Jill Halfpenny appeared to lack enthusiasm. I overheard the performance described as 'Ok but not brilliant' and I would agree. I would not pay to see this again!! - 62.6.139.13) | 09 Mar 05 |
| Anna Montanaro is great and so energetic, really one of the best Velmas I've seen, maybe not as good a dancer as Anna-Jane Casey, but her acting and comic timing are spot on. Michael French was also good. And so was Robert Hands. Zee Asha is a fantastic Mama. Mary Sunshine -sorry forgot the name of the actor- was quite weak, ok voice but he's not funny. I saw it on Wednesday 2nd -half price tickets at TKTS- and in spite of some good performers and didn't enjoy the show very much. Maybe one of the reasons is that I was looking forward to Jill Halfpenny and felt totally let down as she performed mechanically , without believing in what she was doing. The ensemble wasn't so good either and the group numbers lacked energy. Pity the show is not as good as it used to. The audience didn't behave properly either with many people drinking alcohol inside the theatre and talking loudly all the time. Why do they allow drinks inside? Are theatres becoming like the cinemas? - 213.122.94.148) | 05 Mar 05 |
| Anna Jane Cassey was greatin her final night on Saturday. Michael French was a quite pleasant surprise but the ensemble,although better looking than previous casts, doesn't seem very energetic or talented and they are in general not very good dancers, and I would certainly refuse to pay to see them again. The guy who played Fred Casely had a foreign accent difficult to understand and is a terrible dancer especially in the Roxie number. I'll wait til they hire the new ensemble. Jill Halfpenny is less than adequate and her Roxie quite dull and boring. Paul Baker is a very weak Amos. Another disappointment was to miss Morgan Crawley's Mary Sunshine. It was suppose to be his final show but apparently he finished the night before. His understudy was just ok. For the time being it is quite clear that Chicago is not really worth the money, even with one of the several current offers. Also I really hate the Adelphi theatre, when are they going to refurbish it? So dirty and uncomfortable and with such expensive kiosks and bars. Also they didn't have any programmes available to buy. They didn't either have any cast lists so it was impossible to know the names of the performers and the parts they were playing. Truly awful. - 81.131.82.227) | 28 Feb 05 |
| What a fabulous, euphoric night of pure entertainment! I saw it on Feb 3rd and 26th. Jill Halfpenny is utterly mesmerising - a brilliant actress, dancer and singer. I can't praise her natural skill of comedy, sexiness, you name it, high enough. Most of the rest of the cast were great, despite a few dodgy American accents! Still, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven on both nights. - 195.93.21.72) | 27 Feb 05 |
| Anna Jane Cassey is well worth catching as Velma but Jill Halfpenny is certainly not one of the best Roxie's I've seen playing this part. Not very strong ensemble especially vocalwise. They are good looking but dull. Michael French is charming as Billy. Half empty house on Wednesday in spite of the Mayor's offer. - 213.122.39.162) | 24 Feb 05 |
| I went to see this production on Friday February 18th evening performance. I thought it was very weak in general. Pity because it used to be so good. - 32.106.195.186) | 19 Feb 05 |
| I saw the production on Wednesday 16 February. Thought Michael was ok and Anna-Jane Casey gave a very good performance indeed. This was the second time I have been to see it so I can't really compare with other recent casts, only saw the excellent original cast and of course the movie. Jill Halfpenny was ok as Roxie. She can't sing that well though and her acting wasn't as funny as it's suppose to be in some parts, she was better showing the vulnerable side of Roxie, ie after the trial, singing Nowadays. I really wanted to see the show again because of the Fosse choreography which I remember vividly from the original cast, but I was kind of let down as the current dancers, although good looking, don't seem to be as good as the original ones. I guess they were ok, but just not so great. I could still appreciate what a great show this is, everybody should be as good as Anna-Jane to make the show. Unfortunately that wasn't the case and I felt quite let down. How about bringing back Ann Reinking to London to sort things out? I'm sure we would see the difference straight away. By the way, I was shocked to know that at the Adelphi they charge £5 for a Bacardi and Coke? What a rip off! And the bars are quite dirty! - 213.122.17.132) | 17 Feb 05 |
| well British Theatre going public---I like Jill Halfpenny as a performer but what is she like in Chicago--some say she is hot and some say not----which is it? or is it personal criticism again. - 217.145.226.70) | 16 Feb 05 |
| I don't believe this is one of the best casts I've see in this show, in fact I was quite disappointed. I saw it for the fourth time on Saturday evening -12th February- and what I can say is that I have no intention of seeing it again any time soon. I had enough for now. Anna Jane Casey was out and her understudy -Kay Murphy- did a decent job as Velma. Still I was hugely disappointed to miss Anna-Jane. I found Jill Halfpenny kind of miscast as Roxie, not a part for her, and her singing is a bit weak. The ensemble are pleasant on the eye but not the best dancers. The theatre was so hot that I thought I was going to faint. - 213.122.164.218) | 14 Feb 05 |
| Micheal French great voice, great presence, Jill halfpenny excellent, the company energetic and fun, - 81.129.76.106) | 13 Feb 05 |
| Not very impressed at all with the current cast. Jill Halfpenny is just adequate as Roxie, Michael French is an ok Billy. Anna Jane Casey is the really impressive performer in the current cast and she made my evening bereable. The ensemble is better looking than the previous one but still some of them can't dance -what is Scott Ryan Vickers still doing there?-. There is something clearly wrong in this production, I think it is really badly directed. Can someone save Chicago? - 81.131.14.151) | 11 Feb 05 |
| Well I haven't seen it before either on stage or film, so I can only take it at face value on the night. I loved it!!! Jill 1/2penny was very good and what a pair of legs! it was a nice surprise to see Michael French as we thought he'd come out of it. I've seen better but also alot lot worse. All in all very good and value for money with the Porters Mealdeal. - 132.185.240.122) | 10 Feb 05 |
| I've seen it before a few times but now I'm not sure I would see it again. I think I'm tired of this show. Jill Halfpenny isn't the best Roxie I've seen, I don't think she deserves much praise, I guess she's ok but really overrated. I liked her acting more than her dancing. Thought that the rest of the cast were fine in general but nothing special. Michael French's Billy Flynn was better than I expected. Pity that such an excellent show is looking so tired. I guess I was also disappointed not to see Anna Jane Casey as she was off on Saturday 6th and Velma was played by Kay Murphy, who was good, just not as good as Anna Jane would have been. Paul Baker was also off and Amos was played by someone called Paul Omasta who wasn't even listed in the programme!? That's another reason to keep me away from this show, it's basically impossible these days to catch all the principals performing on the same night. - 213.122.109.102) | 10 Feb 05 |
| I absolutely loved the performance of chicago that i saw, after watching the film i wanted to compare the two and was amazed at how well they captured every character, every song and dance. Jill halfpenny is well on form, its great to see such a talented singer/dancer/actor form her routes of Byker grove and she shone as Roxie Hart- he facial expressions, bodily stance and her acting skills showed her character exactly how i emagined it to be.Her voice was amazing and there is no end to her dancing skills. I believe she was much better than the actress who played Velma Kelly, who was a good singer but she kept losing her american accent!! Maybe she should be replaced with a famous face to get the audience in. The whole cast were excellent, they danced well and sang superbly. One thing that could be changed to spice up the action even more is the costumes, Jill Halfpennys looked like it has been used since the show first opened in 1997! However Michael French played an excellent part as Billy Flinn and his gorgeous looks made it even better. I also enjoyed the fact that Momma Morton was played by the lady who won MUsicality on channel four, she has an excellent voice and should go far, she can act as well as sing and played such a good part. It was a superb evening out that kept me enthralled in the action on stage, i give them all ten out of ten for effort and having front row seats made the action even more watchable. Dont listen to those other reviews on this site, make your own mind up and go see Chicago for yourself. - 81.154.225.38) | 09 Feb 05 |
| I think this show is not looking so well right now. I last saw it with Maria Freidman and Anna Montanaro and it was so great. Anna Jane Casey is quite good and so is Morgan Crawley but Jill Halfpenny lacks something as Roxie. She acts nicely, dances decently and sings ok but her Roxie needs to be a bit more edgy. There's nothing new in her performance, she doesn't make the part her own and becomes soon a bit mechanical and boring. Not her fault, she´s just not very well directed, she needs a good director to guide her. Fine ensemble, they look good although many of them are not really that good as dancers. On Friday night, Feb 4, Amos was played by understudy Paul Omasta, who was fine but I was surprised he's not even listed in the programme and the theatre didn't have a biography available. Outrageous, especially considering that you pay £3 for a programme for the priveledge of getting performers bios. In the States they are free and you always get very complete and accurate info about cast and understudies. - 81.131.136.230) | 07 Feb 05 |
| I think this show is not looking so well right now. I last saw it with Maria Freidman and Anna Montanaro and it was so great. Anna Jane Casey is quite good and so is Morgan Crawley but Jill Halfpenny lacks something as Roxie. She acts nicely, dances decently and sings ok but her Roxie needs to be a bit more edgy. There's nothing new in her performance, she doesn't make the part her own and becomes soon a bit mechanical and boring. Not her fault, she´s just not very well directed, she needs a good director to guide her. Fine ensemble, they look good although many of them are not really that good as dancers. On Friday night, Feb 4, Amos was played by understudy Paul Omasta, who was fine but I was surprised he's not even listed in the programme and the theatre didn't have a biography available. Outrageous, especially considering that you pay £3 for a programme for the priveledge of getting performers bios. In the States they are free and you always get very complete and accurate info about cast and understudies. - 81.131.136.230) | 07 Feb 05 |
| I saw the show on Monday night and I have to say that I am absolutely disappointed. This is my favourite show but it looks so tired in this production. Anna Jane Casey was good as Velma although not as good as Bebe Newirth who's still my favourite Velma. Jill Halfpenny didn't sing so well, she dances nicely but her acting is only ok, looks good though. The ensemble is ok but the show in general lacks the appeal and magic it used to have. I have seen it before in London and it was much better than this time but I think the Broadway production is the best. Dancers are better and the American accent is just there, it comes naturally unlike in London where the accent always sounds weird. - 213.122.35.234) | 02 Feb 05 |
| Don't know what show these others went to but the one I saw on Saturday 29th January was absolutely stunning! The ensemble was brilliant as were the main characters. The whole show moved along at a good pace and was refreshingly funny. The singing was excellent and all the dancing was amazing - what more could you wish for? An altogether fantastic night out at the theatre! From their comments and response at the end, the rest of the audience were obviously knocked out by the sheer brilliance of the show as well. - 152.78.216.125) | 31 Jan 05 |
| I last saw the West End production of Chicago in August 1999, although I saw the touring production in April 2002. I thought it was time for me to pay the show another visit in the West End. I was a bit aprehensive and rather speculative about the state of the show and what I would see, having read some rather negative reviews about some of the current cast. I certainly was very let down. Josefina Gabrielle was fine as Roxie Hart. Her first number was a bit dull, however after that she performed with much more energy. Her acting was good, and her dancing great. Anna Jane Casey was off which was a huge disappointment, Wednesday 26th January, and her part was played by understudy Vanessa Leah Hicks who was really weak. Her voice was breaking all the time, her acting is robotic and mechanical and dances without energy. She doesn't have any chemistry with Josefina either. Michael French was quite good, better than I expected, and so was Sharon Clarke. Didn't care very much for the rest of the cast. Very weak ensemble also. - 81.131.157.169) | 28 Jan 05 |
| The show was dull on Saturday 22nd January when I took a friend to see it who doesn't even like musicals. I thought he would enjoy Chicago because it's different to everything else in the West End, but he didn't and neither did I. Good performances to watch are Mama Morton (Sharon D Clarke) and Mary Sunshine (Morgan Crowley), both of them great performers who really give more to their roles than they seemed to require. Those in bigger roles didn't quite seem to deliver. Michael French and Josefina Gabrielle were just ok. I was disappointed that Anna Jane Casey was off but glad and relieved that Vanessa Leah Hicks wasn't playing Velma. Instead Velma was played by Kay Murphy who did very well especially considering that she was surrounded by quite a dull ensemble. With so little on stage you really need very strong and charismatic performers to captivate the imagination of the audience for over two hours. Unfortunately most of the current cast don't have what it takes to make this show work. Most of the comments from the audience at the end were totally unenthusiastic. If you add to this the terribly overpriced bars -£3.90 for a small bottle of lager and £5.00 for a Bacardy and coke- you get a very disappointing night out, one that you wish you had spend at home watching a movie. - 81.131.41.90) | 23 Jan 05 |
| This show should close soon as it has got so terribly stale and boring. They keep dragging up these celebrities, the latest Michael French,who wasn't even there on Monday night and according to one of the ushers he's was off for the whole of last week. The understudy wasn't very good and looked bored. Don't pay attention to the publicity posters -those georgeous people in the pictures are not in the show- and avoid this dreadfully boring old show. Not surprisingly Monday night it was very empty. In Stalls there were many empty rows and no more than 200 people in the audience. - 81.135.9.60) | 18 Jan 05 |
| Could this great show go any more downhill? It needs a total re-cast, especially new male ensemble energetic enough to make the musical numbers work. The current boys, except for maybe one or two, do their routines very mechanically with little or none energy and totally robotic movements. Josefina Gabrielle is ok as Roxie, Anna Jane Casey is very good as Velma but unfortunately I didn't get to see Micheal French as Billy and Sharon D. Clarke as Mama as they were both off. Their understudies were merely adequate. A very disappointing night. - 81.131.208.227) | 13 Jan 05 |
| The show is kind of dying but the principals are great at the moment. So when can we look forward to a much needed ensemble change? the boys are particularly awful with maybe a couple of exceptions. The girls are a bit better but still weak particularly the one who makes the announcement, I mean where did they get her? Is she sleeping with someone to be in the show? I think it's about time the casting people take their job seriously. - 81.131.210.50) | 08 Jan 05 |
| I have seen the show four times now and I think it needs much more energy. I particularly enjoyed Anna Jane Cassey and Josefina Gabrielle's performances but the rest of the cast -with a few exceptions- need to work harder. Michael French tries quite hard but his voice is not too powerful although he is a charming Billy. I saw it on Friday and M Crawley was off but his understudy, Enni Tomasini was a very funny Mary Sunshine with a powerhouse voice. What they really need now is a much stronger ensemble to increase the level of energy the show needs so badly. - 213.122.0.149) | 03 Jan 05 |
| Great show. Anne-Jane Casey and Josephina Gabrille put everything they have into the performance - as do the band. Sharon D Clarke and Michael French bring the presence that Anne-Jane and Josephina so sadly lack. The ensemble need a lot more energy though. The theatre staff are great but the seats are terrible, there is no air conditioning to speak of and it all needs a lick of paint. - 81.157.92.209) | 02 Jan 05 |
| Saw this show for the 1st time earlier this year with Marty Pellow and was very unimpressed. Dark and dindgy and a pointless story. - 195.93.34.12) | 30 Dec 04 |
| Anna Jane Casey is fantastic and so enrgetic, most certainly one of the best Velmas I've seen. Josefina Gabrielle and Michael French are also quite good. Paul Baker was ok. Sharon Clarke is a brilliant Mama. The understudy for Mary Sunshine -sorry forgot the name- was also good, really grat voice. I saw it on Tuesday 28th and all the principals did a good job, but the ensemble wasn't so strong so the group numbers lacked energy. Pity. - 81.131.105.173) | 29 Dec 04 |
| Anna Jane and Josefina are both great. Michael French is a pleasant surprise but the ensemble doesn't seem very energetic or talented with few exceptions, and I would certainly refuse to go and see them again. I'll wait til I hear the reports of the new ensemble starting in April. For the time being Chicago is not worth the money, even with one of the many current offers. Also I hate the Adelphi theatre, when are they planning to refurbish it? So crumpy and uncomfortable. - 213.122.194.101) | 24 Dec 04 |
| At last, at last, two superb female leads, on stage together, for the first time in quite a while! As Roxie Hart, Josefina Gabrielle brought real life and stage craft to the part, and in her long solo piece "Roxie" was mesmeric, commanding the stage like a star. Anna-Jane Casey is simply the best Velma Kelly I've seen. One of the few singer/dancers who are up to such a difficult part, she made "When Velma takes the stand" seem effortless. Together they made it a memorable and highly enjoyable performance. Strong performances also from a (proper) Mama Morton and Amos as well as, rather unexpectedly, from Billy Flynn. Having finally got decent seats (and there aren't that many in this theatre) it was added bonus that all the advertised cast turned up onstage. The presence of understudies seems to be the norm "Nowadays", which, coupled with a pretty poor theatre (cramped seats, poor views, lack of air-conditioning), has previously left me wondering "What became of Class?". Well, there was plenty of class present on Saturday night, and, as long as these two killer-dillers are in the cast, this show is definitely worth seeing. - 213.122.124.70) | 24 Dec 04 |
| Anna Jane Cassey is worth catching as Velma and Josefina Gabrielle is one of the best Roxie's I've seen playing the part. Unfortunately they are surrounded by a not very strong ensemble with a few exceptions. Michael French is charming but not very strong as Billy. - 81.131.119.77) | 19 Dec 04 |
| I went to see this production on Saturday December 11th evening performance. I thought John Borrowman wasn't very good -I loved him in Anything Goes but I was very disappointed with his Billy- Anna Jane Cassey gave a great performance, she was for me the star of the show. This was the second time I have seen the show, I saw the original cast which was just perfect. The show doesn't have now the same level of energy, which is a pity. Cecilia Low was very good as Roxie, but in general I felt a bit let down and I think an injection of energy is needed. - 213.122.138.153) | 13 Dec 04 |
| I saw the production on Monday 6 December. Thought John Borrowman was weak although Anna Jane gave a very good performance indeed. This was the first time I had been to see it so I can't really compare with other casts, only with the movie. Kathryn Dunn was on as Roxie and she was absolutely dreadful. She can't sing or act and she wasn't funny at all. I really wanted to see the show because of the Fosse choreography which wasn't used in the film, but I was totally let down by the ensemble. I guess the girls were ok, but the boys were just terrible. I could appreciate what a great show this could be with a competent cast, everybody should be in the same league as Anna Jane. Unfortunately that wasn't the case and I felt my money was wasted. By the way, do people know that at the Adelphi they charge £2 for a small bottle of water? Greedy b*****s! Their bars are a total rip off! - 213.122.181.69) | 09 Dec 04 |
| Die Deutschland ist die Macht, die Deutschland ist die Stille! - USER: whatsonstage (Peter O | 04 Dec 04 |
| I believe this is the worst cast I've see in this show, saw it for the sixth time last evening -Monday 29th November-and I can say is that I won't be seeing it again any time soon. Anna Jane Casey and Paul Baker were out and their understudies aren't very good especially Vanessa Leah Hicks who is a terrible Velma. Jennifer Ellison is miscast as Roxie and her singing is weak. The ensemble didn't even try. - 213.122.166.13) | 30 Nov 04 |
| Saw the show for the second time on Monday. Because of some of the posted reviews on What's On Stage I didn't expect much and I didn't get much, especially compared to the cast i saw 2 years ago with Anita Louise Combe and Anna Jane Casey. Anna Jane is back and that's why I went. She's the only good thing in the show. Jennifer Ellison wasn't very good, weak singing and dancing. John Borrowman was a disappointment but probably he wasn't feeling that well. Before the end of the first half it was announced that the performance would continue with Simon Breen as Billy Flynn who was just terrible as JB wasn't feeling well. A great show in a really bad shape. - 213.122.161.184) | 24 Nov 04 |
| Not impressed at all with the current cast. Jennifer Ellison is just to young for Roxie, John Borrowman is less than adequate. Anna Jane Casey is the only impressive performer in the cast and made my evening bereable. Quite bad the boys ensemble. They made All That Jazz look dull. - 213.122.39.230) | 18 Nov 04 |
| I cannot believe the number of negative comments concerning the cast of Chicago. I saw the show in Manchester 2 years ago and it failed to impress me. However, as I enjoyed the film version so much I decided to give it another chance in London. It was so fabulous! Jenny E lit up the stage with her strong personality and her singing voice was very sweet. A lot better than I imagined. She's just the type of performer that you can't take your eyes off - so energetic. Anna Casey excelled in her role as Velma. Her singing and dancing are so powerful - she really makes you believe in her character. I would certainly be first in the queue to watch these two performers again!! - 195.92.168.179) | 18 Nov 04 |
| I've seen it before and I would see it again. Although Jennifer Ellison isn't the best Roxie I've seen, I don't think she deserves the flack that she seems to be getting. I liked her version and thought that the rest of the cast were excellent, my only reservation was John Barrowman's Billy Flynn, a bit too smarmy for my liking, should have been a bit smoother. Otherwise an excellent show. - 213.86.144.25) | 16 Nov 04 |
| Its really looking so tired now. Dreadful and horrid theatre also, so embarrasingly dirty everywhere, a real pig sty, that carpet looks disgusting and the bars are very dirty and much more overpriced than in any other West End house. The managers are also very rude and miserable. Velma -Anna Jane Casey- was good and Mary Sunshine was funny but they are surrounded by a not very enthusiastic ensemble,especially the boys. Jennifer Ellison is too young for Roxie, lacks credibility and wears a horrible wig. - 213.122.88.112) | 13 Nov 04 |
| Don't go and see this cast. Just Anna Jane Casey is worth it. Unfortunately the male ensemble is the worst they ever had and some of the girls are not that good either. John Borrowman is a disappointing Billy Flynn. - 81.131.212.88) | 06 Nov 04 |
| I think this show is looking really bad at the moment. I last saw it with Maria Freidman and Valrie Petiford and it was great. Anna Jane Casey is good and so is Morgan Crawley but Jennifer Ellison lacks the edge that Roxie needs. Not her fault, she´s just too young. Weak ensemble. Some of the boys don´t seem to know the difference between the Fosse style and a low energy aerobic class. - 80.58.39.170) | 29 Oct 04 |
| I saw the show last night and I am absolutely horrified. This used to be my favourite show but it looks so tired. Anna Jane Casey was good as Velma although I was very disappointed she didn't do the armonies in My Own Best Friend. Jennifer Ellison can't sing a note, she dances well but her acting is only ok, awful wig. The ensemble is quite weak and the show in general lacks the magic it used to have. - 213.122.88.211) | 23 Oct 04 |
| It's sad to see a great musical in such a state. In spite of a fantastic Mamma and a great Mary Sunshine this show has the worst supporting cast I've seen especially the boys. John Borrowman looks ok as Billy but he's just wrong for the part and his singing is not very powerful. I saw it on Saturday night, Oct 16th, and Anna Jane Casey was off so I got to see the dreadful Vanessa Leah Hicks as Velma. Why they keep her understadying Velma after seven years is anyone's guess. Jennifer Ellison was ok, just about. Too young so she doesn't look wright for Roxie and she sounded quite bad in her first number. - 213.122.200.105) | 17 Oct 04 |
| I last saw the west-end production of Chicago in August 2000, although I saw the touring production in May 2002; so I thought it time to pay the show another visit. I was rather speculative about what I would see, having read rather negative reviews about some of the current cast; but I was not at all let down. Jennifer Ellison was excellent as Roxie Hart. Her first number was slightly weaker, however after that she performed with sheer profetionalism and gusto. Her acting was good; and her dancing magnificent. She had the same demure as Ruthie Henshall. Furthermore, she looked stunning - I loved the wig - very sophisticated. Anna Jane Casey was a very good Velma Kelly. I don't think it is possible for anyone to beat Arma Faye Wright's Velma - she was perfect, for me. Casey has a very powerful voice and her dancing mathes. Her Velma is a real bitch. Great fun to watch. Real chemistry between her and Ellison. John Barrowan's Billy Flynn was outstanding. By far THE best Billy Flynn imaginable. He looked stunning and has such a powerful voice. Although his interpratation of the role brought little freshiness; he just had the power and presance required for Billy. A real star! Paul Baker was vocally good as Amos; and full of originality; but beautifully and sympathetically played. I never really felt for Amos so much - Baker's interpratation is of a real dumb Amos. Sharon D. Clarke's Matron 'Mamma' Morton stole the show. She had the vocal energy and stamina to blow the roof off the Adelphi. I loved her interpratation of the role - she was very butch and seemed to love Velma, in that kind of way. Morgan Crowley was very fun as Mary Sunshine - great vocals. I seemed much better than he did in the tour. The whole cast have such sparkle and remined you of 'what a wonderful country this is'! Try and catch the show with the current cast - they are all so good. - 194.105.168.6) | 17 Oct 04 |
| the show was great last week when i took a friend to see it who doesnt even like musicals. Outstanding performances to watch are those of Mama Morton (Sharon D Clarke) and Mary Sunshine (Morgan Crowley)... powerhouse performers who really packed much more punch than their roles seemed to require and than those in bigger roles didnt quite seem to deliver. Amazing also how with so little on stage it can still captivate the imagination for over two hours...good quality stuff I'd say! Cheers, JT - 193.122.47.170) | 12 Oct 04 |
| This show should close as it has got so stale and boring and they keep dragging up these celebs,the latest the piggy looking Jennifer Ellison,who squeaks and creaks her way through the show and big deal she is a trained ballerina,so are millions of other girls,but they dont lead a musical,she is in the show as she was in that dreadful cooking show with the in sane Gordon Ramsey,who are the producers going to come up with next?Richard Madeley as Mary Sunshine? Dont listen to the hype and avoid this tire boring old show with an emsemble with all the looks and charm of Albert Steptoe. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 10 Oct 04 |
| Could this show go any more downhill? It needs a total re-vamp of cast, new male ensemble energetic enough to make the number Roxie work. The current boys do the number as an aerobic class with no energy and robotic movements. Jennifer Ellison is miscast as Roxie, Anna Jane Casey is very good as Velma but John Borrowman is one of the worst Billy Flynns I've ever seen. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.41.62) | 06 Oct 04 |
| the show is still clever and the principals are great at the moment but when can we look forward to an ensemble change? the boys are particularly awful! show 4, ensemble 0. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.122.47.170) | 05 Oct 04 |
| I have seen the show tree times now and I think it needs more energy. I particularly enjoyed Anna Jane Cassey performance but the rest of the cast need to work harder. Jennifer Ellison tries quite hard but she's really young for Roxie. I saw it on Wednesday and John Borrowman was off, and, thanks heavens, so was the awful Simon Breen, his understudy. Paul Basleigh was on as Billy. He was ok considering he's the second understudy. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.119.116) | 01 Oct 04 |
| I have seen this show several times now and I have to say the current cast is the worst i have seen. jennifer ellison looks 15 so she's totally wrong for roxie plus she wears the most awful wig ever seen in show bussiness. anita was great but unfortunately she was surrounded by a very bad ensemmble. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.52.45) | 26 Sep 04 |
| I saw chicago at the 5pm performance on friday. first time seeing it in the West End. with all the talk on here about how bad it had become I wasnt expecting much, however I was pleasently impressed. Jennifer Ellison was very good (cant make my mind up about the wig tho) as was John Barrowman (didnt seem campy to me as someone else pointed out, ideal role for him). The dancers were not 'overweight' as people had been saying, maybe not has immaculate as the publicity shots but they seemed good to me, just need a little tightning up on the dance numbers. Mama Morton was excellent, and certainly has one of the best voices in the current cast. Having said this something was lacking that I couldnt put my finger on. Although everyone was working hard something was missing, I think it may have lost its slickness and freshness after this time. This may be partly because the theatre was at least half empty which I always think takes away the atmosphere. Overall id say 3-4 out of 5. Am looking forward to seeing the tour in a few weeks to compare - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.209.70) | 25 Sep 04 |
| Jennifer Ellison is fantastic and so damn cute,most certainly the best Roxie ever. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 24 Sep 04 |
| The current cast doesn't seem very energetic or talented, and I would certainly refuse to go and see them again. Not worth the money, even with one of the current offers. Besides I hate the Adelphi theatre, when are they planning to refurbish it? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.206.67) | 20 Sep 04 |
| My first West End show was bRILLIANT - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 19 Sep 04 |
| Anita Louise Combe is worth catching as Velma and Rebecca Thornhill is one of the best Roxie's I've seen. Unfortunately they are surrounded by a very weak ensemble with a couple of exceptions. David Hasselhoff is very stiff and doesn't hold the note more than 2 seconds in Both Reached for the Gun. His dancing skills are non existant and looks totally ridiculous trying to do a few steps at the end of that number. Unforgivable. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.13.24) | 18 Sep 04 |
| I seen the production at the end of July - thought David was fine and Anita gave a very good performance - this was the first time I had been to see it so I can't really compare - Rebecca Thornhill was excellent as Roxie. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.1.240.242) | 17 Sep 04 |
| I seen the production at the end of July - thought David was fine and Anita gave a very good performance - this was the first time I had been to see it so I can't really compare - Rebecca Thornhill was excellent as Roxie. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.1.240.242) | 17 Sep 04 |
| The music is so good that at times you forget what a weak cast this is...then David Hasselhoff makes his entrance and you see why this show is dying, celebrities with no stage presence who can barely sing a note. Very empty house on Tuesday 14th Sept. Rebecca Thornhill is the only good thing in the cast at the moment. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.39.107) | 16 Sep 04 |
| I believe it's the begining of the end for this show, saw it for the fith time this evening -Friday Sept 10th- and the only thing I can say is that David Hasselhoff has given it the kiss of death. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.14.68) | 11 Sep 04 |
| Saw the show for the first time. Because of some of the posted reviews on this site I didn´t expect much. But I really enjoyed it. The two leading ladies were amazing and I was very suprised of D. Hasselhoff who was also great. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.8.197.205) | 10 Sep 04 |
| splendid פשוט נפלא מחזמר סוחף מבוצע בידי אמנים מקצוענים חיים נוי - USER: Whatsonstage.com (192.117.123.114) | 10 Sep 04 |
| I have seen it three times before and I love this show. Unfortunately the current cast is not very strong. Rebecca Thornhill is great as Roxie and Anita Louise Combe is a fine Velma. Davis Hasselhoff is truly bad. Awful male ensemble. Maybe it's not their fault, some of them looked underehearsed, but then again somebody is not doing their job properly. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.175.83) | 10 Sep 04 |
| Anita Louise Combe is apparently finishing in two weeks. I suggest you catch it before she leaves........she's the most amazing thing in the show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 09 Sep 04 |
| Its looking so tired now. Dreadful theatre also, so dirty everywhere, that carpet looks disgusting and the bars are dirty and overpriced. Roxie and Velma were good and mary Sunshine was funny but they are surrounded by a not very enthusiastic ensemble. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.231.138) | 07 Sep 04 |
| If nothing else go and see this cast just for Anita Louise Combe's brilliant interpretation of Velma. I saw her as Roxie and thought she was great then but now I love her even more. I think she's finishing soon......why? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 07 Sep 04 |
| I think this show is looking great at the moment. I last saw it with Maria Freidman etc. Anita Louise Combe is a brilliant Velma and David Hasselhoff is okay as Billy Flynn. Alot better than I expected. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 07 Sep 04 |
| I saw the show last night and I am absolutely blown away by Anita Louise Combe. What a star. Does anyone know what she's doing after Chicago. She should never leave the West End. The rest of the cast were okay, got a little bored at times but it's still a good show - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 07 Sep 04 |
| It's sad to see an absolutely great musical in such a state. In spite of two fantastic leading ladies this show has the worst supporting cast I've seen. D Hasselhoff looks so stiff and uncomfortable especially when he has to do the simplest dance move, he just can't handle it. I saw it on Friday night, Sept 3rd, and Stalls was only 50% full, which I'm not surprised. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.209.55) | 06 Sep 04 |
| Saw it last wednesday for the first time.The theatre was full and I really enjoyed it! Funny show and great cast. Definitely going to see it again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.8.197.204) | 05 Sep 04 |
| I am shocked at the state of this show. Many people didn't comeback after the interval and who can blame them? The second half was even worst, awful ensemble. I liked Rebecca Thornhill as Roxie. I thought she was the best thing in this cast. Anita Louise Combe was off - Monday night - and Vanessa Leah Hicks was on as Velma and she is so terrible! Why she is still in the show I don't understand. This production has really passed its sell by date. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.63.82) | 01 Sep 04 |
| Anita Louise Combe is a brilliant Velma. Unfortunately the male ensemble is really dull and the number Roxie, in spite of Rebecca Thornhill being quite good, fails as soon of the boys appear on stage. Their solos in that number are so stupid and easy to execute that even a 5 year old could do it better. Why did they change those bits? They used to be so good. Are the current dancers unable to dance properly? Bob Fosse must be turning in his grave. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.220.24.57) | 27 Aug 04 |
| Rebecca Thornhill and Anita Louise Combe quite good. Also Zee Asha, but that's not enough to save the show. Very bad male ensemble. David hasselhoff is terrible although I admit he made me laugh even if it was for the wrong reasons. The final part of Both Reached for the Gun was hilarious, what was that all about? The man has no sense of rythm whatsoever and moves like a clumpsy duck. The Adelphi was quite empty for a Friday night. Stalls was half empty. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.166.248) | 21 Aug 04 |
| Saw Marti Webb not Hasslehoff and enjoyed it. Great music but about 20 mins too long. You'd be better to see Anything Goes before it ends. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 21 Aug 04 |
| Just awful!!! I never realised how bad it was going to be and the cast was the worst I've seen apart from Rebecca Thornhill. Not surprisingly the theatre was only 50% full in spite of thousands of offers available at the moment. David Hasselhoff is the worst Billy I've seen, embarrasing performance. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.21.198) | 20 Aug 04 |
| My first trip to the West End was a real treat! A glossy, faultless performance by the entire cast. David Hasselhoff is a real star and I thoroughly recommend a visit. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.64.142.200) | 19 Aug 04 |
| Not impressed at all this with the current cast. The chorus sounded really bad plus I think David Hasselhoff is the worst Billy Flynn I've ever seen, he needs a singing teacher so badly. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.128.221) | 19 Aug 04 |
| There was a full house when I was there, the atmosphere was terrific and all performances were top notch. I thought David Hasselhoff was a splendid choice for the role and played Billy Flynn just right. There was a sense of fun about the performance that transferred that 'feel good' sensation to the audience. Thoroughly entertaining. Go and see it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.201.204.121) | 18 Aug 04 |
| Chicago has been, and still is, one of my favourite musicals but not with the current cast. Rebecca Thornhill is great, but everybody else isn't. Disappointed not to have seen Anita Louise Combe last Saturday as Vanessa Leah Hicks was on as Velma and strugled during the whole performance. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.109.76) | 17 Aug 04 |
| Saw the matinee on Saturday and the only thing I can say is this show is sooo on its way out. In the Roxie number when the boys do their solo bits they really do less than nothing. No so long ago that part was so full of energy. The male ensemble is so rubbish now. Vanessa Leah Hicks -understudy Velma- wasn't very good plus she was loosing her voice. Rebecca Thornhill was the only good thing. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.126.125) | 16 Aug 04 |
| Nothing is worthy at the moment in this show. So dull that you could just go to sleep. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.132.55) | 15 Aug 04 |
| I went to see the show on Friday Aug 13th for the matinee and I have to say I wasnt impressed. The theater wasnt exactly full and performance was to be desired about. The characters were good vocally but didnt have stage presence to capture you and there wasnt really anything in the show that made you go "wow" ! The show has great music numbers in it, but it just lacks that characterisation, especially from this bunch. David Hassellhoff was ok, but not stunning, The two that played Velma and Roxie had stunning voices but again at times didnt have stage presence and the dancing was quite basic, the ending was huge let down. The chorus girls were really good dancers though The set and the costumes weren't as great either as I thought they would be. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.195.155) | 14 Aug 04 |
| Wanted to see Rebecca Thornhill before she leaves in September. She was great, about the only good thing in a show which is clearly on its way out. Anita was ok too, but her Roxie is better than her Velma. Didn't care about David Hasselhoff. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.15.141) | 12 Aug 04 |
| Can't fault the performance but the supporting cast wasn't on top form. It's not my kind of show and I was disappointed with D Hasselhoff. No charisma on stage and sings quite badly. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.115.190) | 11 Aug 04 |
| I've seen Chicago with many different casts through the years, however this is by far the worst. Davis Hasselhoff might be the most watched tv personality in the world, but he can't sing, act, dance or move onstage. As an aside, I loved the comment about O J Simpson, acquitted he might have been, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he is a cold blooded killer!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (12.103.239.82) | 10 Aug 04 |
| Slander Mr Shenton,OJ Simpson was accused and aquitted of murdering his ex wife and her friend Ron Goldmann and what relevance you find in that sad event in Velma Kelly fictionally murdering her husband and sister is beyond me but typical of your lousy reviews. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.130.137.230) | 10 Aug 04 |
| Saw the show last week - absolutely rubbish. Mr. Hasselhoff was awful and he should stick to banal TV series. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.188.168) | 10 Aug 04 |
| I am a 14 and want to say what I thought of Chicago. Its a while since I saw it for the first time. It was last year with Ruthie Henshall and Linzi Hately. That time I enjoyed it inmensely, but last week I didn't like it at all. The energy I remember has vanished especially the boys. Ok, some of them are cute but they don't put anything into their performances. They just pass by showing off in a kind of 'look at me, I'm so gorgeous' attitude, so full of themselves it becomes annoying after a while. The two leading ladies were good though. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.54.165) | 09 Aug 04 |
| I have never seen the film/show before,and was concerned about the negative reviews on this page before going.However,I really enjoyed the show.I thought David Hasslehoff and all of the cast performed well in their roles.I might even go and see it again! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.253.128.4) | 08 Aug 04 |
| Totally overrated! My first West End show was a big disappointment, don't understand what the fuzz is about this show. After enjoying the movie very much the live show is a let down. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.122.90) | 08 Aug 04 |
| Chicago sucks! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.119.25) | 06 Aug 04 |
| Awful cast! Anita Louise Combe was good as Velma Kelly, she sang well, and she's the only thing worth it. It was also boiling, which doesn't really help to the enjoyment of the performance, everybody was sweating and complainig. It's unfair to charge those prices to be so uncomfortable, and patrons should be advised when booking tickets that they are going to get really hot. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.0.223) | 05 Aug 04 |
| Went to see this for the 3rd time on Saturday, and I'm afraid to say that it didn't live to its former reputation. It looks really tired in spite of a good performance by Anita Louise Combe as Velma. Words can not express how bad David Hasselhoff is. Not surprisingly it was only 50% or maybe less which is quite bad for a Saturday matinee. It was boiling as well. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.236.52) | 04 Aug 04 |
| From Mrs San Pietro, Vancouver BC, Canada Have seen Chicago a lot in NY, and also on our last trip to London when Alex Bourne was in it. He was terrific as Billy which was why we were very disappointed in his current performance in The Rat Pack - just plain miscast in that role. This time the Chicago was just as good, but different. Pleasantly surprised by David Hasslehoff. He looked lovely and sang just great. Enjoyed the two girls performances enormously. Very good. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.137.34.25) | 03 Aug 04 |
| I was unlucky to be part of last nights' audience. The show is getting so dull. Besides it was so hot that I, like most people, had difficulties trying to concentrate. They really need air conditioned at the Adelphi. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.124.206) | 03 Aug 04 |
| Anita Louise Combe is a STAR and Rebecca Thornhill is great too. That's all I can say of a show which used to be one of the best in town but unfortunately is not anymore due to bad casting. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.211.72) | 02 Aug 04 |
| This is definitely the worst cast I've seen, apart from Anita and Rebecca. D hassehoff shouldn't be in the show. He can't sing or act. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.126.201) | 01 Aug 04 |
| Absolutely dreadful! Such an exciting show has become a joke, will not see it again for a long long time. Can't think of anyone worse than David Hasselhoff for the part of Billy Flynn. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.18.102) | 31 Jul 04 |
| Please Alex Bourne come back and give the show some life. David Hasselhoff is just so awful. Terrible ensemble, they could try a bit harder. Very, very disappointing. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.222.137) | 29 Jul 04 |
| Went to see it last night. Unfortunately, I ended up seeing David Hasselhoff instead of Cavin Cornwall - but he was better than I'd predicted - he could reach all the notes, unlike Michael Greco - he's an ok singer (considering he's Germany's biggest pop star?? ), but he just didn't have the vocal stamina to hold the notes and make the part impressive like Alex Bourne did! My main criticism is that he had NO stage presence - I think this man is so used to down-playing things to a camera, that infront of an audience - you just got nothing from him - he was a bit rubbish to watch is all I can say! Anita Louise Combe was fine as Velma - I know it's a bad thing to say, but I thought she was fine as Roxie and although I guess I preferred her as Velma - her performance was just fine! Her voice wasn't all that last night really, and her dancing was good, but IMO Anna-Jane Casey really is the best Velma ever and I really want her back in this with Rebecca Thornhill! Ok, Rebecca - all I can say is PERFECT - she was the best Roxie i'd ever seen - she was fantastic - she sang the part so well, which was so refreshing after all the crappy celebrities and understudies and things I've seen - she acted the part lovely- she was funny and quirky, whilst still believing she was a murderess - ok, Ruthie was great, but Frances Ruffelle was rubbish and played the part as a little boy! Linzi Hately was just too nice - Anita was bland, as was Josefina Gabrielle and Denise was just Denise! Rebecca Thornhill is SOOOOO worth the ticket price - go and see her!!! The ensemble were not the best I've seen - and they are lacking Sergio who's off having surgery on his leg since an accident in rehearsal - his 6-pack is unfortunately missing - and has been replaced by an old bald man - so unfair!!!!!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.235.15) | 28 Jul 04 |
| I saw the show on Saturday matinee. Quite empty house, didn't really care for this cast apart from Anita Louise Combe. David Hasselhoff was so bad that it was really painful to watch. Don't see this show lasting much longer. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.10.39) | 27 Jul 04 |
| Of course everyone has their favourite cast, but the current one doesnt't seem to please the majority of people. I was hugely disappointed this time in spite of good performances from both Rebecca and Anita. My favourite cast is still the original, with the one Maria Friedman and Ana Montanaro a close second. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.121.26) | 26 Jul 04 |
| I have a feeling that this show is on its way out. When did it open? Has it been running for a long time? Is it because audiences were expecting something as glamerous as the film, and were disappointed? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.3.32.72) | 25 Jul 04 |
| Having never seen Chicago before I didn't know what to expect but I was totally disappointed after hearing so much about it. Anita Louise Combe and Rebecca Thornhill are both good but David Hasselhoff is terrible. Morgan Crawley is funny and brings the show to life the few times he's on but this show is totally lifeless, like most of the cast is too tired and can't be bothered. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.38.15) | 25 Jul 04 |
| Well, I had never seen Chicago so I had nothing to compare, but thought it was very poor in all senses apart from the music which is great. Didn't care for anyone in particular, but David hasselhoff was especially bad. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.143.112) | 24 Jul 04 |
| An enjoyable evening providing you are a David Hasselhoff fan, that's the only way you can seat through this show avoiding the temptation to put plugs into your ears every time he's on stage. Terrible as well the way in which he pushes Anita to one side so he can be in the middle of the stage when taking the final vows, very arrogant. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.155.72) | 23 Jul 04 |
| the aggressive staff at the Adelphi didn't help me to enjoy the show, so maybe I wasn't in the right state of mind. However I found this cast really bored with the exception of the 2 leading ladies. Hasselhoff absolutely awful. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.78.119) | 22 Jul 04 |
| I agree. I saw the show last night and thought Anita was the star. I saw her as Roxie as well - she's amazing as both!! David wasn't all that bad. I've definately seen worse. The rest of the cast do need some work I agree. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 22 Jul 04 |
| You should go to the show just to see Anita Louise Combe as Velma. I think she's the best I've seen. She should be a huge star in the West End!!!! Rebecca is good too. The rest of the cast are just okay. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 22 Jul 04 |
| David Hasselhoff was just wonderful... he was enthralling. And ok some of the ensemble are really lazy, but there were a couple of guys who were really great, there was a tall good looking camp one with a seethru top who was fantastic - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.154.173.105) | 22 Jul 04 |
| I've now seen this show a number of times, from the original cast to the recent one and I have to say that this show has lost its magic. And don't get me started on D Hasselhoff. Couldn't he learn his lines properly? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.66.196) | 21 Jul 04 |
| Its current star, David Hasselhoff, is probably the worst Billy Flynn ever seen on stage. Even Michel Greco was better and he was really awful. Anita Louise Combe, Rebecca Thornhill and Zee Asha do a very good job, but that's unfortunately not enough. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.52.73) | 20 Jul 04 |
| I saw it when it opened in 1997; the present cast is not even a pale shade of what this show used to be. Roxie and Velma do a decent job. Cavin Cornwall is ok as Billy and Morgan Crawley is a funny Mary. Unfortunately that's not enough to save a really tired show which is starting to look amateurish. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.215.141) | 19 Jul 04 |
| and two trannie as V and R by the pics I have seen! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (149.174.164.83) | 18 Jul 04 |
| and now they employ Mitch Buchanan-Pitiful! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (149.174.164.83) | 18 Jul 04 |
| worse than that - USER: Whatsonstage.com (149.174.164.83) | 18 Jul 04 |
| very crap - USER: Whatsonstage.com (149.174.164.83) | 18 Jul 04 |
| crap - USER: Whatsonstage.com (149.174.164.83) | 18 Jul 04 |
| Crap - USER: Whatsonstage.com (149.174.164.83) | 18 Jul 04 |
| Caught the matinee performance on Friday July 16th. the first time I'd seen the since 1999. Both Roxie and Velma were quite good, but the show in general was quite lifeless. Maybe it's time to say goodbye to Chicago? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.13.173) | 17 Jul 04 |
| Could this show go any more downhill? It needs a re-vamp of cast, new, interesting variations on vocalisations of the songs, and basically more enthusiasm from all involved would have been nice. It was really dull, and it was a pity. I'd hoped to like it. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.0.34) | 16 Jul 04 |
| I have seen the show tree times now and I think it needs more energy. I particularly enjoyed R Tornhill and A L Combe's performances but the rest of the cast need to work harder. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.5.136) | 15 Jul 04 |
| I have seen this show a few times now and I have to say the current cast is quite bad. Two great leading ladies but they are underdirected. Starting to wonder wheather the state in which the show is at the moment is the cast's or the resident directors' fault - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.121.33) | 14 Jul 04 |
| The current cast doesn't seem very energetic or talented, and I would certainly refuse to go and see them again. Not worth the many, even with one of the current offers. Besides I hate the Adelphi theatre, when are they planning to refurbish it? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.31.202) | 13 Jul 04 |
| Anita Louise Combe is well worth catching as Velma and Rebecca Thornhill is a very good Roxie too. Unfortunately the chorus don't live up to the reputation of the show. Someone please save Chicago. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.137.42) | 12 Jul 04 |
| The music is so repetitive...it all sounds pretty much the same, and therefore makes a fairly moderate storyline dull and depressing. Couldn't stop my mind wandering to other things. Sorry... - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.0.34) | 11 Jul 04 |
| I believe it's the begining of he end for this show, saw it for the fourth time this week and the theatre was unsurprisingly quite empty. I don't think I'll be visiting the Adelphi any time soon again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.39.228) | 11 Jul 04 |
| I have seen it twice before and I love the show. Unfortunately the current cast lacks the energy Chicago needs. Only Anita, Rebecca and Zee do a great job. The others are just passing by. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.149.9) | 11 Jul 04 |
| Its looking so tired now. Hideous theatre also, so dirty everywhere, the carpet looks disgusting and staff is really agressive especially in box office. On the positive side Anita Louise Combe is a very good Velma and Rebecca Thornhill is a vast improvement after the horrendous Frances Ruffelle. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.123.205) | 09 Jul 04 |
| It's sad to see an absolutely fab show in such a state. In spite of two good leading ladies the show looks really bad due to the weakest supporting cast I've ever seen. Both Rebecca and Anita deserve better. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.242.13) | 09 Jul 04 |
| i am shocked that so many people didn't like Frances Rufelle as Roxie I thought she was one of the best I've seen with just the right mix of impish naughtiness and slutty tartdom! Tiffany Graves certainly the best Velma I've seen second only to the great Leagh Hicks! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.255.64.8) | 08 Jul 04 |
| Anita Louise Combe is a great Velma. Unfortunately the current ensemble is really dull and makes the show look really boring. Where did they get that Hunyak? I was so pleased when she got hunged. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.147.5) | 08 Jul 04 |
| Rebecca Thornhill and Anita Louise Combe are both great. Also Morgan Crawley, one of the best Marys. Pity about the ensemble, the weakest I've ever seen. The show looks really tired and I was not surprised to see so many empty seats on a Saturday night, that was July 3rd. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.118.91) | 07 Jul 04 |
| Just brilliant!!! I never realised how funny it was going to be and the cast was fantastic. The time flew by unfortunately and it finished too soon - so can't wait to go to see it again! No wonder it's been one of the top shows for so long. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (152.78.216.125) | 06 Jul 04 |
| Not impressed at all this time around. The chorus sounded awful plus I wanted to see Cecilia Low but I got the second understudy for Roxie, who wasn't very good. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.135.125.3) | 20 Jun 04 |
| Chicago is one of my favourite musicals but not with the current cast. Frances Ruffelle is not a very good Roxie and Kay Murphy (understudy Velma Mon 14th) was enthusiastic but you could tell she's a bit inexperienced. The supporting cast weren't so good either and their vocals sounded quite weak. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.37.139) | 15 Jun 04 |
| Saw the matinee today saturday and the only thing I can say is this show is dying. Not surprise the theatre was so empty on a saturday. Tiffany Graves was full of energy for her final day and gave a top class performance. Unfortunately nobody else did. Pity. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.82.149) | 12 Jun 04 |
| Only the choreography Bob Fosse style is worthy at the moment in this show although the dancers could try a bit harder. Other than that Chicago is in terrible shape at the moment. Ruffelle is miscast as Roxie, she doesn't have the right voice and can't dance at all. Graves is ok as Velma, everybody else including Pellow leave much to be desired. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.208.165) | 10 Jun 04 |
| Wanted to see Tiffany graves before she leaves at the end of this week. She was as good as always but the show in general looks so tired. Frances Ruffelle is the worst Roxie I've ever seen, totally inept, dull and boring. Marti Pellow's acting is wooden and sometimes you can't even understand what he says. Paul Leonard is an ok Amos. Most of the ensemble members looked so bored. Really disappointing. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.177.181) | 09 Jun 04 |
| Cant Fault the performance and the cast was on top form. Just not my kind of thing though. BRING ON THE PRODUCERS! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 15 May 04 |
| Cant Fault the performance and the cast was on top form. Just not my kind of thing though. BRING ON THE PRODUCERS! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 15 May 04 |
| Saw the show on 3 May - absolutely brilliant. Mr. Pellow was fabulous and the dancers were sensational. Will go to see it a few more (if not many more) times - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.120.255.253) | 07 May 04 |
| I am a 13 and want to say what i thought of this show. Its a while since i saw it (Nov 1st) but here goes: I first saw it in Torquay and became obsessed by the next night i knew all the words to every song! I had recently taken a liking to Ruthie Henshall and when i found out that she was in it i didn't leave my dad alone till he finally took me. It was my second WestEnd show and i loved it, Ruthie was the best Velma ever and always will be and Linzi Hately was great. I then saw it again in November for the final ruthie performance and she was awesome and Francis Ruffelle was amazing, i really want to see it again with the new cast and i hopefully will soon. Its well worth the money so all of you GO SEE IT!!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.76) | 06 Mar 04 |
| Totally blown away by it! My first West End show and what an introduction! Fantastic cast, sensational costumes, upbeat and sassy score - well worth every penny! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.254.0.34) | 18 Jan 04 |
| Chicago rocks! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.129.64.139) | 29 Oct 03 |
| Sensational new cast! Ruthie Henshall was fantastic as Velma Kelly: she sang and danced wonderfully. She has a fab mezzo voice. Francess Ruffle has a beautiful interpratation of the role of Roxie Hart. As Roxie is much more the acting part you can bring your own thing to it and Ruffle's expressions are lovely. Kevin Richardson is the best Billy Flynn London has had yet - much more class and flair than Marti Pello, Sacha Destal and Henry Goodman together. He has an excellent voice and look! Very good performance from Taboo star Paul Baker as Amos, too. However, Anita Dobson stells the show with her outstanding performance as Mamma Morton. She is so good I've booked again to see her. Although she doesn't have the figure of your stereotypical Mamma, she acts the butch bitch so well. Morgan Crowly ruined the show with a lame and overly camp performance as Mary Sunshine - good job not on that much. D.P.Taylor was still the best Mary Sunshine. But that's my opinion. This currently overall has to be the show at its best. With Denise Van Outen's Roxie it would be too good for words. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.168.6) | 03 Oct 03 |
| Went to see this for the 2nd time on Saturday, and I'm afraid to say it didn't live up to how i remembered it...I was so pleased to hear that Ruthie Henshall was still part of the cast - but oh dear i was soooooooo disappointed, she really doesn't live up to her reputation. The dance moves seem to be beyond her now and her voice was nowt special, in fact i swear she sings through clenched teeth!! There was a plus though...I thought Kevin Richardson was a really good Billy Flynn and especially good in "They both reached for the gun"...3stars but one of those is all for Kevin (and no I wasn't a BSB fan!!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.128.170.11) | 30 Sep 03 |
| I was fortunate to be part of last nights audience (Mon, 15th Sept).The show oozes style and forces you to take part in their seedy world. Frances and Ruthie were exceptional, sexy,believeable and stunning whatever feeling they were portraying. My only reserve is aimed at Anita Dobson whilst her portrayal of MAMA was strong and convincing I found it difficult to realisticly believe in a MAMA who 'needs a good meal'.Anita's performance was strong and ever 'smiley' but just not the look I would have expected.The entire company must be applauded for their performances and my evening was perfectly ended by receiving a rose from Ruthie.Thanks guys a show to remember and thoroughly deserving of its 5 stars. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.159.123) | 16 Sep 03 |
| Ruthie Henshall is a STAR. and Linzi Hately is a joy too. Still one of the best musicals in London. a classy show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.13) | 17 Aug 03 |
| This is definitely the worst cast I've seen, apart from Ruthie, although she was much better as Roxie. Linzi sings well but her dancing is just so awful. The ensemble were very average and some of them really bad. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.204.190) | 14 Aug 03 |
| Absolutely stunning! Such an exciting show, would see it again if possible! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.168.221) | 11 Aug 03 |
| Ruthie Henshall must be the most overated musical actress there is,she bumbled her way round the stage ,surprised she didnt leave holes in it and looked like Danny La Rue on a bad day!Please Tiffany Graves come back and give the show some class. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.36.117.39) | 19 Jul 03 |
| For the person that made the remark about Ruthie's 'mum figure' - has it escaped your notice that she has just had a baby?! I saw the show on Saturday and was thoroughly impressed with Ms Henshall - I wish I looked like that after I had my daughter!!! Really good show, and hopefully I'll go again before Ruthie leaves! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.107.196.124) | 16 Jul 03 |
| Of course everyone has their favourite cast, but now Ruthie is back it's time to re-assess again. For those who haven't seen it before, it's a good show but nothing like the sensation it used to be. I loved Ruthie as Roxie and I loved Linzi as Roxie, but now Ruthie is back as Velma it's still Linzi who steals the show with a performance that's funny, sexy, endearing and hugely talented. Sorry, but Ruthie looks like she's having to try very hard and if it wasn't for her reputation I doubt she would have been chosen for this part. For those of you who have been impressed by her new publicity photos, Ruthie is entirely different on stage with a different hairstyle and...er...a mum's figure. We all know what a talented star she is, but please find more suitable roles for her. The other casting is adequate, but all in all it doesn't quite razzle dazzle as it should. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.43.172.252) | 24 Jun 03 |
| Having never seen Chicago before I didn't know what to expect but I was totally blown away by it. The music is great, the script is great and the singing and dancing is brilliant. Ruthie Henshall (Velma) & Linzi Hately (Roxie) are both brilliant leading ladies and performed brilliantly. Rolf Saxon as Billy Flynn was also great, but some parts of Razzle Dazzle didn't come across very well. Other than that he was brilliant. I was a little unsure of Norman Pace as Amos but he was perfect. Not only was his line delivery good & very funny but he suprised me by having a very good singing voice. I also have no complaints about Zee Asha as Mama Morton and C.B English as Mary Sunshine. Both very good. But for me the very sexy & talented ensemble stole the show. All of them amazing performers who danced brilliantly and sang without fault. All very talented people who obviously have worked hard to get where they are. I thoroughly enjoyed Richard Roe's performance as 'The Jury' because he really is very funny. The Cell Block Tango girls are also sensational dancers as are the brilliant male ensemble. All in all a wonderful evening and a great show. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.43.89.196) | 23 Jun 03 |
| Well, I had never seen Chicago, but had loved the soundtrack for ages. This was such a let down! Billy Flynn was horrible, but the female leads we fine. The show really lost me in the second act, and being American my first experience in a London theatre was quite different from what I thought it would be. Maybe WWRY and Chitty will be better? HOPE SO! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.43.171.127) | 12 Mar 03 |
| An enjoyable evening providing you like dance, the routines are stylish and well executed. The majority of the songs are non-memorable (there are a couple of exceptions) and the dark humour running throughout the production gives the show a unique feel. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (128.240.229.6) | 10 Mar 03 |
| after a good start I totally lost the plot, was she a lesbian, the aggressive staff at that theatre were enough to make anybody stay in their seat - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.44.174.24) | 23 Feb 03 |
| I've now seen this show a number of times, from the magic of Lemper/Henshall/Goodman/Planer onwards. Hiring a headline name to put bums on seats is not necessarily a bad thing (e.g. Marti Pellow was excellent in the role of Billy Flynn) provided the individual concerned has the necessary talent. I was most disappointed by the latest rendition of the Flynn role by Michael Greco - there was no strength/depth in his voice and the accent was, at times, impenetrable. This was not such a slick/sharp production as previous performances. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.33.137.108) | 03 Feb 03 |
| It's current stars, Gaby Roslin (ahem..) and Michael Greco, are probably the poorest performers they have had in the roles of Mamma and Billy Flynn. Gaby Roslin's performance in particular was quite awful and embarrassing to watch, her singing voice is just passable but it's a one-note performance and her American accent is laughable. Michael Greco is very hard to take seriously with that silly voice that just reminds you of "Beppe" in Eastenders all the time. As for the chorus, some of them are looking a bit too long in the tooth for this show (and a bit too fat in the case of one chorus girl) and no-where near as sexy as some of the posters you see on the underground. The one ray of sunshine was Linzi Hateley as Roxie-she is a real gem and helped lift the show out of it's mediocrity. I think once the film version comes out, this show is going to look like a bit of a dinosaur. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.117.133.118) | 16 Dec 02 |
| Pure theatrical bliss! I saw it when it opened in 1997; the present cast is even stronger. Anita -Louise Combe was very good; she was a good actress and sang quite well, too. Anna Jane Cassy was stunning. I have not seen a person perform with so much talent since Maria Friedman in 'Passion' with Michael Ball. Marti Pellow was much more than the 'crowd puller'. I looked great on stage, however a bit too young for the role? Mary Sunshine still remains one of the most adorable roles in a musical. Go and see the present cast - they are sheer bliss to watch! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 25 Oct 02 |
| Caught the matinee performance on Friday (Sept. 6)-the first time I'd seen the show since last January. It remains as vibrant as ever. Jo Gibb understudied Anita Louise Combe as Roxie and was excellent-as was the rest of the cast and orchestra. There's certainly no sign of this show flagging.There is one thing that has always intrigued me about Chicago. It concerns Hunyak, the Hungarian prisoner in the Cook County Jail whose command of English does not extend beyond the words 'not guilty'. Is she really speaking in Hungarian (or is it Magyar)-and, if so, what is she actually saying? Can anyone help? - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 10 Sep 02 |
| I have seen the show twice now and it is full of such energy. I particularly enjoyed Marti Pellow's performance as Billy Flynn - what a new departure for him but he does it brilliantly. But all the cast members are superb - a wonderful night out - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 12 Aug 02 |
| I have seen this show a few times now and I have to say the current cast is brilliant, especially Marti Pellow who has made the role of Billy Flynn his very own, it could have been written for him, he really is superb. The whole show gives good all round entertainment in every way, the music, the dancing, the cast and especially the humour. I have to say a special well done to Marti Pellow who has never done this sort of thing before and I will be going again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 04 Aug 02 |
| I saw Chicago for the first time at yesterday's matinee and really enjoyed the show. The cast were fantastic, especially Chrissie Hammond and Marti Pellow (who I wasn't sure I would like.) I don't have any knowledge of previous casts to compare the current cast with, so all I can say that for me they seemed very energetic and talented, and I would certainly go and see them again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 Jul 02 |
| I was bowled over by Marti Pellow, who makes the role of Billy Flynn his own. He brings some nice touches to the part and sings it fantastically. On the night I went there were a few understudies - Emma Gray was playing Velma and was superb, and Spencer Soloman was Amos and I thought played it a lot better than some of the 'names'. Anita Louise Combe is well worth catching as Roxie too. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 Jul 02 |
| I believe the begining of he end is nigh for this show,saw it yesterday and as usual in the West End loads of understudies who are hopeless to be honest,Emma Gray as Velma(awful)does Anna Jane Casey ever do the show as she was absent in APRIL when I went to see Denise who was excellent,but dear me Anita Louise Combe the current Roxie,looks old enough to me Denises mum and is about as sexy as a bag of crisps,Clive Rowe was off yday too as was Vanessa Leigh Hicks and Emma Jay which I think is a disgrace and an insult to people paying a fortune in good faith to see a full cast as that is what they expect and what they should get. The only bright thing about yday was Marti Pellow as Billy Flynn who was in great voice singing wise,though his american accent was dodgy to say the least. I can not reccommend this show anymore as it has had its day and it seems the missing cast agree too. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 30 Jun 02 |
| With Van Outen coming back and Anita Louise Combe flitting back and forth- there is no better time to see this show. I have seen it twice and Alison Moyet's Mama and Leigh Zimmerman's Velma take some beating. The score sounds evergreen and the sheer energy of the dancers ensures that audiences will keep going back for more. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 24 Mar 02 |
| Its looking tired now......hideous theatre aswell. Leigh Zimmerman is wonderful though as is Anita Louise Coombe (a vast improvement on the less than average Denise Van Outen).....but, this show has never been as good as when Ute and Ruthie were in it... They will NEVER be matched.... - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 08 Nov 01 |
| The Show is absolutely fab among the best ive ever seen - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 Sep 01 |
| don't miss LEIGH ZIMMERMAN as Velam in the show...she is a PHENOMENON! We English have not produced a star with such physical beauty or pure talent...is there another actress/comedienne/singer/dancer on the West End to match her? I think not!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 07 Jun 01 |
| In our opinion Leigh Zimmerman is a knockout!!both in looks and as a performer and dancer..we hope to see a lot more of this lady in the future!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 26 May 01 |
| What a show!! I was impressed with the all round quality of every one on the Adelphi stage. The Biggest criminal was undoubtedly Barry James. His Amos Hart rightly got the loudest ovation of the night. It was also great to see that so many stayed to see the Band round out the evening in style. It was a delight to see everyone give their all and thoroughly enjoying themsleves, almost as much as the Audience. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 15 May 01 |
| I went to see CHICAGO expecting to see a star (Denise Van Outen) and ended up seeing TWO stars!...Denise is wonderful as Roxie...a fine West End starring-role debut...she sings well and obviously works hard to give her all...but the other star...a breathtaking performer new to London whose name is Leigh Zimmerman...pay close attention to her...every pore oozes sensuality, presence, and star-potential! She sings powerfully (especially whilst completing a cartwheel!) and her dance technique is flawless. She brings a multi-dimensional characterisation of Velma to the stage...icey and manipulative, yet vulnerable and humorous. HER PERFORMANCE SHOULD BE REMEMBERED AT THE OLIVIER AWARDS NOMINATIONS! Credits to the Producers for finding her...don't know what else she has done in the theatre (although it is evident she has a wealth of experience to back up her prodigious talent)...she is a rightful co-star of CHICAGO and we will watch her career with interest to see her next STARRING performance on the West End! By the way, at the end of the performance I attended (May 9th) the audience recognized Ms. Zimmerman's talent with an enormous, much deserved ovation...there is hope for the future of modern theatre when talented, once-in-a-lifetime performers of her calibre are given the opportunity to shine! GO SEE HER...and CHICAGO! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 11 May 01 |
| chicago, the best musical i have ever iseen, and i've seen alot! But don't put celebrities in if theycan't perform. i missed sacha distel on the 2 occasions i went! i won't bother attempting to see denise van outen! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 01 May 01 |
| Saw the show last year when it starred Anna-Jane Casey - she was excellent as Thelma Kelly and when in town wanted to go but sadly she had finished her run - any news on where she is performing now? - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 06 Mar 01 |
| Chicago hasn't been the same since the loss Lemper, Henshall, Goodman, Planer and et al. Still, the fishnet will get your pulse racing and the sacha Distel's sexy even as an octogenarian (??) and Bob Fosse's choreography is still to die for. Now that Fosse has sadly closed to, this is the only place you can still pay homage in the West End. Worht the price of a ticket? - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 06 Feb 01 |
