Chicago

This satirical look at the Chicago justice system of the 1920s is a real favourite. The musical is based on Maurine Watkins' original play, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and original choreography by Bob  Fosse and tells the tale of Roxy Hart and Velma Kelly - two "merry murderesses" who play the system to get off and end up as a Vaudeville act. And yes, this was inspired by real events, Maurine Watkins having started off as a court reporter before switching to writing plays.Jamie Baughan gives an excellent Amos - Mr Cellophane was movingly delivered. Lee Mead as Billy Flynn was well judged but his hair wasn't very "stylish 20s", heh ho, a small thing! Sinitta Malone has an excellent voice but somehow lacked the presence and threat that Mama Morton requires. B E Wong as Mary Sunshine was a hoot, such a nicely pointed characterisation.

Overall this was a great evening but somehow, for me, it lacked the raw, rough, almost dirty nature of some productions - it was all too slick and clean and I missed some of the dirt and drama that the story holds.