Roxie Hart Brings the Razzle Dazzle to Woking in Chicago

Roxie Hart has taken Woking by storm this week at the New Victoria Theatre, bringing the razzle-dazzle of Chicago to town!

Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart

A staple of the musical theatre canon, Chicago follows chorus girl Roxie Hart (Janette Manrara), who shoots her lover Fred Casely (Josh Crowther) in a fit of rage when he tries to end their affair. Despite her attempt to pin it on her “scummy, crummy, dummy” husband, Amos (Joshua Lloyd), she’s thrown into Cook County Jail and facing the gallows, Roxie finds herself among a host of women who have killed their men: “It was murder, but not a crime.” She quickly butts heads with Velma Kelly (Djalenga Scott), the queen bee of the prison and a former vaudeville star who knows how to work the press to her advantage. With the infamous lawyer Billy Flynn (Darren Day) by her side, Roxie schemes her way into the headlines and learns to turn infamy into fame.

The ensemble of Chicago and Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly

The music of Chicago is iconic. Even if you haven’t seen the show or the 2002 movie, you’re bound to know classics like “All That Jazz” or “Cell Block Tango.” One of the production’s standout features is how the on-stage orchestra and John Lee Beatty’s set design allow the musical talent to truly shine. The decision to place the orchestra front and center highlights just how essential the music is to the story. Characters even interact with the musical director during the show, adding both a comedic touch and a reminder of the close collaboration between the cast and orchestra in bringing this tale to life.

“Cell Block Tango”

For those wary of Chicago’s famously minimal set, especially amid current conversations about musicals opting for stripped-back designs, rest assured. The black staircases and simple staging let the movement, choreography, and vocal performances take center stage. There’s nowhere to hide, and this cast doesn’t need it. Chicago finds the perfect balance between minimalism and spectacle, never feeling like just a concert.

William Ivey Long’s costume design may be monochromatic, but within the all-black palette, each piece is intricately detailed and radiates the sultry, seductive energy that defines Chicago

The female ensemble of Chicago

Janette Manrara’s Roxie is light, compelling, and utterly charming. She makes the audience fall for Roxie’s naïveté and ambition, even as she schemes and murders her way to fame. It takes real skill to make a morally grey character so magnetic, and Janette achieves it effortlessly. Opposite her, Djalenga Scott’s Velma Kelly adds layers of vulnerability beneath the sharp edges, crafting a character that feels both commanding and human. Together, the two deliver a masterclass in chemistry, shifting seamlessly from rivals to reluctant allies. Their performances make the evolving relationship between Roxie and Velma feel electric and deeply authentic, anchoring the show in both tension and heart. Watching their relationship shift from rivalry to reluctant camaraderie is one of the show’s great pleasures.

Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly

Joshua Lloyd tugs at the audience’s heartstrings with his sweet and vulnerable portrayal of the wronged husband Amos, delivering a performance so endearing you’ll want to give him a great big hug. His rendition of “Mister Cellophane” is a standout, combining emotional depth with powerful vocals and belts. Darren Day perfectly captures the swagger and charm of the manipulative lawyer Billy Flynn, commanding the stage every time he appears.

Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart

Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine is exactly that, a beautiful ray of light. “A Little Bit of Good” is delightful in the moment, but becomes even more impressive once you realise that not everything is as it seems later in the show, a testament to Jordan’s talent and transformative performance. Sinitta Malone stuns as Mama Morton, perfectly balancing the character’s self-serving pursuit of personal gain with the warm, maternal affection she holds for the women in the jail.

Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine

The ensemble are magnetising to watch. In some shows they can fade into the background, but in Chicago they are front and centre, commanding attention in every number. They move as one mind in group sequences while maintaining individuality, and each member gets a moment to shine. The trademark Bob Fosse-inspired choreography they deliver is sharp, sultry, and precise, bringing the show’s iconic style and attitude to life in a way that’s utterly mesmerizing to watch.

The ensemble of Chicago

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the musical, only familiar with the film, or coming in completely blind, you’re guaranteed to have a great time with this production. Chicago continues to play at New Victoria Theatre until 2 August before heading to its next stops on tour through August 2025. It would be a crime to miss this sexy, stylish, sultry, and utterly sensational show.

If you ever miss a UK tour stop in Wimbledon, Woking is an excellent alternative. It’s only a 25-minute direct SWR train ride from Waterloo, and the short walk from the station takes you through a charming alleyway and market lined with restaurants and eateries, perfect if you want to grab a bite before the show. Stepping off the train even feels like a breath of fresh air compared to central London. Just be sure to purchase a separate train ticket for the ride as it’s not in Oyster zones. 

★★★★★

Buy tickets here.

Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart

Gifted press tickets

Production stills provided, credit to photographer