“Chicago” by Musicality
Nottingham Arts Theatre

One of the most stylized musicals ever created is taken on by Musicality from the University of Nottingham students. They have a rich history of producing quality musicals, and this is no different, adding to their growing list of theatrical successes. I could just sum this production up in three words I LOVED IT, but why use three words when 1003 would suffice?

Everybody who loves musical theatre will know the story of Roxie Hart who kills her lover, Fred Casley, and is sent to jail for her crime. There she meets Velma Kelly, who is to become her rival inside, but with the help of Matron Mama Morton, who can arrange just about anything for her girls, at a price, which is where hot shot lawyer Billy Flynn enters the scene.

Billy takes the case on and Velma’s trial gets pushed down the pecking order, which causes friction between the two jail birds. Throw into the mix the nerdy, down trodden, sad but sweet husband Amos Hart and the comedy and drama is all ready to provide plenty of razzle dazzle, sex and sizzle,and all that jazz.

Catherine New (Roxie Hart) is a new name to me and this is her first show with Musicality, but no way will i believe that this will be her last. What a debut. This woman acts with every inch of her body. The smirk, the eyebrow raised,the strut and the pout, all bringing the wonderful character of Roxie to life. After tonight one of the names on everyone's lips is definitely going to be Catherine.

Jack Matthews (Amos Hart) really teased every ounce of sympathy from this audience, a real ladies' favourite. But what belies this doormat of a character is Jack's singing voice. the simple "Mr Cellophane" grew and grew and we got to experience this powerful and controlled set of vocals that Jack has. The same vocals that I regaled about as Eddie in last year's Musicality production of "Made In Dagenham".

Sam Hook (Fred Casely) also makes his Musicality debut,and while Casely gets bumped off at the start, Sam gets the chance to show off his choreographic skills as part of the ensemble. Another excellent Musicality debut performer with an extensive theatrical CV to bring to this already ridiculously talented group.

Lucy Avery (Mama Morton) always promises a great performance, and she never breaks a promise. I loved the way that she brought a vaudevillian feel to "When You're Good To Mama", making this song seem fresher than I'd heard before. Lucy also duets with Katie Dart in the song "Class" and what a pairing these two make; perfectly blended like a fruit smoothie.

Katie Dart (Velma Kelly) is another first time Musicality discovery. What an amazing voice this young woman has, and what stage presence. Just everything about this performance was spot on, and how she managed to dance as energetically and athletic as she did, as well as deliver those vocals, I'll never know; she never stopped to catch her breath.

Robin Ramsay (Billy Flynn) made this smooth but arrogant character his own. Robin delivered some brilliant, and controlled, vocals, especially in his big numbers "Razzle Dazzle" and "All I Care About" and "They Both Reached For The Gun". He demanded your attention whenever he stepped on stage.

Paolo Elias (Emcee) is one of those actors/dancers/singers who just seems to give 110% in everything he does. I never really realised that this character of Emcee was such an important role until this production, and Paolo really managed to shine a spotlight on the role. He's also a very good dancer, hitting every beat, and like many other character actors, he really brings everything out in his face. I thought he was great as Harold Wilson last year in "Dagenham" but his talents have hit a new high for me in this production.

Siska Greene (Mary Sunshine) is yet another actor who I've had the pleasure of seeing their star continue to rise. Her vocals reminded me of a young Julie Andrews with her wonderful RP version of Mary Sunshine. Oh and what a voice, quite operatic and incredibly controlled.

The ensemble Joseph Straw, Fiona Cook, Lucy Boardman, Ellen Steel, Meghan Borg, Elly Hassall, Sophie Clark, Isa Alkhalifa, Charlie Greene, Andrew Whitaker, James Warner, Isabella Chapman, Alice Humphrys, Carla Davison, Eliza Wappat, Ewan Waddell and Ulysse Abbate just go to show how important a great ensemble are to a show, several of them making their Musicality debut.

Directed by Adriana Dvorakova, this show is everything I could ask for. It is tight, pacy when needed and completely captivating

Produced by Rowena Fry and Meg Clerments.

This show would be nothing without the amazing choreography and Hattie Rothwell-Inch has done an amazing job in this field. Choreography wise, I think this is one of my favourite musicals because of the sass, the class and the sexiness.

Matt Talbot is the show’s Musical Director, but not only is he the Musical Director, he is one of the few MD's who is a showman in his own right. Just watching him up there conducting this amazing orchestra, he is performing as much as any other actor on that stage. He brings the drama out of the music and his orchestra. This is proven in the opening of Act Two's Entr'acte, extracting an exciting appreciation from the audience. His arrangements of some of the pieces also bring freshness to songs that I have heard performed many times, but here, sounding new.One of the best sounding local orchestras I have heard, and that muted trumpet is a dream to hear played so well.Matt was ably assisted with the Musical Direction by Annabel Jeffries.

Amazing costumes (Megan Pavey), hair and make up (Sophie Mitchell, Josie Parry and Lucy Taylor), and without these specialist areas, the production would not have looked as totally professional as it does.

Even down to the stage management which kept this show rolling, everything about this production smacked of class and professionalism. And when the quality of a show is of this standard, it puts some touring shows I've seen in the shade.

I now have an apology to give. The seats at the Nottingham Arts Theatre are such that you sink into them, making them not the easiest to release yourself from. Now with that in mind, plus the fact that someone had spilt a drink on the floor which then caused a river under my seat, making me recreate something from Dancing On Ice, I was unable to get to my feet to give you all the standing ovation you all so richly deserved.

Wonderful lighting and the sound is one of the best that I have heard at the Arts Theatre. I heard every single word of every single song,and every section of the script.

Every singer was perfectly in tune. every dance step was executed with great elan, and the energy from that stage was mind blowing.

Look I could go on forever stating what a brilliant show this is and what talent Musicality have fostered, but don't take my word for ( yes do take my word for it ), go and get your tickets because this is the show to see this week.

I've seen this show about four times in the last year or so, and even though it has not yet usurped "Blood Brothers" as my all time favourite musical, "Chicago" is snapping at its' heels, thanks to productions such as Musicality constantly give.

“Chicago” is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Saturday 15 February. it would be a crime to miss this particular show.