Theatre Review: Chicago, Bristol Hippodrome

Summary:

Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Monday 19th May - Saturday 24th May 2025
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hr 30 min (incl. interval)
Keywords: Musical, Jazz, Crime, Glamour, Greed

Review

I was captivated from start to finish and couldn’t stop tapping my toes along to the music. What a spectacle!

This is one of my favourite musicals I’ve ever seen. I was captivated from start to finish and couldn’t stop tapping my toes along to the music. What a spectacle!With the sensual and fun opening of “All that Jazz” setting the tone for the rest of the show, it took me from one musical masterpiece straight into the next one. Following the story of these ‘men-murdering’ ladies in 1920’s Chicago, both looking for fame and greedy for attention, the chemistry between Faye Brooks as Roxie Hart and Djalenga Scott's Velma Kelly was unmissable.

The onstage orchestra is such a prominent part of the staging with the musicians becoming part of the action, gives you the feel of being in a real jazz club. Dynamic dance moves by the ensemble including high-kicks, splits and cartwheels, bring the show to a whole other level. 

Overall, this production offers an exciting blend of music, dance, and drama - a must-see for theatre enthusiasts.

Standout Moment: My favourite part was the “ventriloquist”-song called “We Both Reached for the Gun” that takes place during Roxie Hart’s press conference, where Billy Flynn acts as her puppeteer. It’s so clever and one of the most visually striking performances of the show.

See If: You love a story of deception with incredible choreography and staging with tunes that are very well know.

Similar Musicals: Cabaret, Moulin Rouge

Last Impressions: So clever, so striking and epic music!

You can find last minute tickets for the show on the ATG Website

We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.

Written by Liana Sommers