It is with great sadness that I read that Chicago is leaving the West End. It is one of a handful of productions that has played for fifteen years or more and has become part of the furniture.
I remember watching Chicago in its first month all those years ago and being bowled over. Unlike so many musicals, it was sexy and daring and appealed to men as much as it did to women. The dancing was slick and "All That Jazz" was an instant hit, sticking with you for weeks.
In that early performance Ruthy Henshall played Roxie Hart and Ute Lemper took the role of Velma Kelly. They both totally embodied the characters and were just spectacular. Some of the "celebrities" who later starred in the musical were a bit of a let down. I remember being particularly disappointed by Michelle William's (of Destinys Child fame) lacklustre and nervous portrayal of Roxie Hart.
Fifteen years ago, Chicago was a daring addition to the West End and was unashamedly hot, sexy and slick. With the knowledge that sex sells I wonder if the West End needs an equally sizzling replacement? Let's hope that whatever it is, it is as classy as Chicago.
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