News

Supermodel Christie Brinkley’s West End debut in Chicago has been delayed after her mother was admitted to hospital in the United States. The actress and beauty icon was due to begin a four week engagement in the long-running show at the Cambridge Theatre beginning today, Monday 11th July 2011. Sarah Soetaert will continue in the role of "Roxie" until Ms. Brinkley joins the company.

Musical Scheduled to End in August

Brinkley made a triumphant Broadway debut in Chicago earlier this year, playing the role of murderess “Roxie Hart” - previously played by stars including Brooke Shields, Sandy Duncan and Bebe Neuwirth. She had been set to reprise the role in London alongside New York co-star Amra-Faye Wright, the South African-born actress and cabaret star who will reprise her role as “Velma Kelly”. The last Chicago performance at the Cambridge Theatre is scheduled for Saturday 27th August 2011, although the show’s producers are hopeful of finding a new venue to extend the current record-breaking 14 year London run. The sultry production, which has seen a host of famous names such as Denise Van Outen and Jerry Springer play leading roles, will be replaced by the new children’s musical Matilda.

Chicago Company Wishes Family Well

In a statement released by the musical, Producer Barry Weissler said: "In the theatre industry, we are sometimes forced to deal with circumstances beyond our control. However, it must be said that Christie’s success on Broadway this spring was not just hers, but her parents’ as well. In fact, at first she debated whether or not to accept the part because of her parents’ health. But when she told them about the offer to star on Broadway, Christie’s father, who is unfortunately unable to speak, simply wrote the words ‘take it’ on a slip of paper. With that slip of paper, she knew her decision was made. And Christie kept that paper taped to the mirror in her backstage dressing room throughout her entire Broadway run. She did it for them. And speaking for the entire Chicago company, we all wish her mother a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing Christie reprise her remarkable performance in our West End production as soon as possible."