Star-studded performance

CHICAGO, Palace Theatre, Manchester, by Beatriz Ayala
THE opening night of Chicago the Musical certainly brought a touch of razzle dazzle attracting stars from “Coronation Street” and “Hollyoaks” — mirroring one of the stage show’s main themes, the obsession with celebrity.

Chicago originally opened on Broadway in 1975 and was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.

Since then, the slick and sexy musical has turned into a celebrity vehicle with stars of the small screen clamouring to don the famous fishnet tights.

This time, Emma Barton, known for her role as Honey Mitchell in “EastEnders”, proved surprisingly capable in the demanding role of Roxie Hart.

Her celebrity partner Gary Wilmot, who plays smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, is a seasoned stage veteran and it shows.

The partnership works so well it threatens to overshadow actress Twinnie-Lee Moore’s performance of Velma Kelly. But she proves mesmerising when she takes lead vocals in “All that Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango”.

Special mention must go to Adam Stafford, who gains the audience’s affection as Roxie’s long-suffering husband Amos, as well as the jazzy orchestra.