Chicago the musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb has recently had an upsurge in popularity not least by the making of the Hollywood Movie, its recent release on Video and DVD and the C4 TV series Musicality.

Bob Fosse’s choreography demands precise movements both fast and slow and a certain almost gymnastic suppleness along with the ability to dance and sing at the same time.

The present UK touring cast oozes talent, sexuality and stunning good looks mixed with superb singing voices and the excellent score it is a show which is a delight to watch time after time.  The set is built displaying the orchestra on stage and providing several extra entrances and exits. The only thing I personally don’t like about the show is its almost completely black set and costumes, but by the time you get lost in the story you almost forget the lack of colour.  The visual appeal of the show is in the choreography where there are moments when the cast seem to move and breathe as one and times it is difficult to decide where to look.

Roxie Hart plaid by Claire Taylor is a sexy sassy lady who shoots her lover and gets the notoriety and fame she has always sought whilst waiting in gaol. Claire performed the role superbly, being submissive then forceful, quiet then powerful. Her dance routines, as everyone’s, are precise and phenomenal. She is a good foil for both Christopher Bennett as her husband Amos and Rachel Stanley as Velma Kelly.

The highlight of Christopher’s portrayal of the loving but slightly dim Amos is his rendition of the song “Mister Cellophane”. Ok so this is one of my favourite songs in the show, but I do think his rendition is wonderful.

Rachel Stanley as the premiere prison inmate Velma Kelly has her nose well and truly put out of joint by the appearance of Roxy.  Velma is as blonde as Roxy is dark yet they complement and contrast each other in turn. She is involved in one of the show stopping numbers of the first half “Cell Block Tango” joined by five other inmates.

The Matron ‘Mama’ Morton played by Jacqui Rae is one of the smallest (in stature) I have seen but boy dose she have a big voice and stage presence. Her duet “Class” with Rachel, unfortunately not used in the movie, received an ovation.

C. C. Mullaney as the news hound Mary Sunshine brings their own form of class and shows the little bit of good in every other member of the cast.  Her sugary sweet view on life adds a certain comedy to the show.

The whole cast male and female work extremely hard and well together. The on stage orchestra, although very much part of the action, is frequently upstaged by the performers. Cleverly staged and choreographed the show is a joy to watch and every single person on stage and all the technical and stage crew deserve an individual mention.

Finally those of you who know the show will have realised I have not mentioned the pivotal character Billy Flynn the suave, sleazy lawyer on this occasion plaid for the second last time this tour by the ex Popstar recently enjoying a revival with his group ‘Wet Wet Wet’ Marty Pellow. Whereas previous incumbents I have seen have not been singers it was great to have a performer with a good voice. As usual I was a little skeptical about the acting ability of a popstar but Marty seemed to be totally at home in the role and did a very good job. It is nice to hear his numbers sung rather than spoken.  Sadly he finished his tour in Edinburgh but he is embarking on a ‘Wet Wet Wet’ reunion tour.

Definitely a show worth seeing but the run has finished in Edinburgh but continues throughout the UK.