See ‘dazzling and decadent’ Chicago at Southampton Mayflower Theatre this week

DAZZLING and decadent Chicago is on stage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre this week with Darren Day reprising his role as Billy Flynn for one week only.

Featuring breath taking choreography and a medley of smash hit musical numbers, the show has been wowing audiences for nearly half a century, with last nights full house a testament to its enduring appeal.

Escapism it certainly is, set in the decadence of 1920s Chicago, the story follows adulteress Roxie Hart as she joins forces with slick-talking lawyer Billy Flynn to talk her way out of a murder charge and launch a showbiz career to boot.

With a powerful voice and dance moves to wow, former Coronation Street star Faye Brooks is a class act in the role of Roxie, alongside the equally wonderful Djalenga Scott as her prison rival Velma Kelly.

Day was equally impressive in his reprised role of Billy Flynn, the confident, smooth-talking lawyer who had the city’s media at his beck and call. Brenda Edwards as prison ‘mum’ Mama Morton was superb, as was the fabulous Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine.

Packed with an irresistible medley of hits such as Razzle Dazzle, All That Jazz and Cell Block Tango, the full cast dance numbers were executed with incredible precision and finesse by the superb supporting cast.

With music at the forefront of this show, the orchestra took centre stage, performing in full view with scenes played out in front. This meant that minimal staging was used to move the story between the courthouse, the prison and Roxie’s home – but with a cast so proficient this further guaranteed that all eyes were on them!

Famed for its sultry costumes and sexy dance routines Chicago certainly had all the elements for a truly mesmerising musical. Catch it at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until Saturday. Tickets are from £28.50. For more information and bookings visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call the box office on 023 8071 1811