From City Escapes

Chicago in London

Chicago celebrated 5,000 London performances on its 12th London birthday when its cast took to the Cambridge theatre stage on 18th November 2009.

The Kander and Ebb musical tells the tale of two showgirls, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who find notoriety and fame when they both end up on the wrong side of the prison bars. Their only hope for release and increased pulling power is the sleazy, system-working lawyer Billy Flynn.

The sixth longest running show currently playing in London’s Theatreland, Chicago opened at the Adelphi theatre in 1997, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production the following year. Following nine successful years on the Strand, it transferred to the Cambridge theatre in 2006, celebrating its 10th anniversary there a year later.

Chicago in London - Cast

The casting of Chicago periodically brings in unusual celebrities which help to give the show legs, e.g. Jerry Springer. Billed as London’s Sexiest Musical Chicago's history in London has seen a collection of stars take on the sexy leading roles, including Ruthie Henshall, Henry Goodman, Nigel Planer, Denise Van Outen, Suzanne Shaw, Alison Moyet, Michelle Williams, Kelly Osbourne, Jerry Springer, David Hasselhoff and John Barrowman.

Ruthie Henshall In Chicao London

Ruthie Henshall is to return to Chicago in London for a nine week season between 14 December and 28 February, to play Roxie Hart, the role she originated when the musical first opened in London 12 years ago.

West End regular and Dancing On Ice judge Henshall is joined in the cast by Terra C MacLeod, who will play Velma Kelly, a role she originated in the French production of Chicago. Chicago regulars Ian Kelsey and David Ganly continue in the show, playing Amos Hart and Billy Flynn.