Chicago - Review by Alice Mullineaux | British Youth Music Theatre

Chicago - Review by Alice Mullineaux

***** (5 Stars)

Curve Theatre, Leicester - Wednesday 4 December, 2013

Everybody wants their birthday celebration to be a show-stopping event, and Leicester’s Curve Theatre certainly did not disappoint.  On Wednesday’s guest list to celebrate five years to the day since the theatre’s opening was a host of local VIPs and competition winners, and Paul Kerryson’s sensational production of Chicago was undoubtedly the hottest party in town - as it will continue to be throughout the festive season.

From the cold, grey streets of Leicester the audience is transported to the Chicago of The Roaring Twenties, where the jazz age of glamour, corruption and drama was at its height; and Kerryson uses all of his magic to bring it to life.  As the curtain rises to reveal a sparse set, dimly lit by low hanging lamps extending over the first few rows of the stalls, a sublime band (whose presence on the stage is an glorious atmospheric design feature in itself) fill the space with the iconic opening bars of the “All That Jazz”, closely followed by the company, whose vibrant performance immediately captivates the audience, plunging them into Velma and Roxie’s world of vaudeville and celebrity criminals, in which nothing is quite as it seems. 

Al Parkinson’s set is minimal but cleverly designed, proving to be the perfect backdrop for a dazzling cast, amongst whom there is not one weak link. 

The ensemble numbers are fluid, full of verve and conviction, and showcase Drew McOnie’s exquisite choreography, which is so integral to the show’s success. The principals are exceptional and well-cast, with Verity Rushworth’s engaging characterisation of Velma working harmoniously with the equally compelling Gemma Sutton as Roxie, together capturing the essence of the feisty flapper girls. 

However a special mention must be given to Matthew Barrow, whose poignant portrayal of Roxie’s husband, Amos, won the audience’s hearts, and to Sandra Marvin, whose stunning rendition of “When You’re Good To Mama” brought the house down.

Takis’ costume designs are striking and symbolic, communicating effectively the piece’s dark underlying themes, perhaps only with the exception of the corsets on men in certain scenes, which are somewhat baffling.

Overall, Curve has most definitely delivered a birthday celebration that its guests will recommend and remember, and leaves us eagerly anticipating the next one.

Chicago is playing at the Curve Theatre, Leicester until January 18, 2014. Buy your tickets here: http://www.curveonline.co.uk/curve.php?view=showinfo.php&showid=461 

Photo: Pamela Raith

Chicago Leicester Curve