Chicago the Musical Theatre Tickets

Chicago at The Garrick Theatre, London

A Dark Comedy Musical with Dazzling Choreography

This twisted tale of murder, corruption and the concept of the celebrity criminal is based on Maurine Dallas Watkins’ 1926 play of the same title. The story and characters find their origins in true events covered by Watkins while she was a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, with the famous villains of ‘Velma Kelly’ and ‘Roxie Hart’ based on Belva ‘Beauty Of The Cell Block’ Gaertner and Beulah ‘Most Stylish on Murder Row’ Sheriff Annan. The original play was a great success on Broadway, but it was only when the rights were sold to legendary actor, director and choreographer Bob Fosse that Chicago, as theatre audiences today know and love it, was born.

With a book, music and lyrics by Kander and Ebb (Cabaret), Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville opened on Broadway in 1975 but, like every other new show that year, was sadly overshadowed by A Chorus Line. The show was, however, well received in the West End when it opened at the Cambridge Theatre in 1979, playing for 603 performances. Broadway success finally came knocking when the musical was revived in 1996. The London production opened in 1997 at the Adelphi Theatre, taking two Olivier awards - Best Actress in a Musical for Ute Lemper as ‘Velma Kelly’ and Outstanding Musical Production.

Chicago returned to its original London home at the Cambridge Theatre in 2006 where it continued to wow audiences with its heady blend of drama, eclectic musical numbers and eye-popping choreography. The production developed a tradition of casting celebrities in its key roles. Star names included Christie Brinkley, Ruthie Henshall, John Barrowman, Tony Hadley, Kelly Osbourne, Marti Pellow and Jerry Springer. Chicago closed at the Cambridge in August 2011 before reopening, backed by popular demand, at the Garrick Theatre.