Chicago
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Chicago: A Jazzy Triumph on the West End
"Chicago," with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse, is a satirical musical that has enthralled West End audiences since its landmark 1997 revival. Opening at the Adelphi Theatre on November 18, 1997, under the direction of Walter Bobbie, it ran for 15 years before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre and later the Garrick Theatre, closing in 2016. Returning in 2018 at the Phoenix Theatre, it holds the title of the longest-running American musical in West End history, blending razor-sharp wit, sultry choreography, and a timeless tale of crime and celebrity.
Origins and Early Days
Inspired by Maurine Dallas Watkins’ 1926 play, based on real Chicago murder cases she covered as a journalist, "Chicago" debuted on Broadway in 1975, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Starring Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera, it ran for two years but was overshadowed by "A Chorus Line." The original West End production opened in 1979 at the Cambridge Theatre, featuring Antonia Ellis and Jenny Logan, lasting 600 performances. Though successful, it wasn’t until the minimalist 1996 Broadway revival stripped down by Ann Reinking and Walter Bobbie that "Chicago" found its enduring formula, paving the way for its West End resurgence.
The 1997 West End Revival
The 1997 London revival mirrored the Broadway reboot, starring Ruthie Henshall as Roxie Hart, Ute Lemper as Velma Kelly, and Henry Goodman as Billy Flynn. Its stark staging black costumes, a simple bandstand set by John Lee Beatty, and Fosse-inspired choreography by Reinking shifted focus to the performers and score. After a decade at the Adelphi, it moved to the Cambridge Theatre in 2006 and the Garrick in 2011, totaling over 6,000 performances by 2016. The revival’s success earned it the 1998 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production, cementing its West End legacy.
Musical and Theatrical Brilliance
Kander and Ebb’s score dazzles with jazz-infused classics like "All That Jazz," "Cell Block Tango," and "Razzle Dazzle," each dripping with cynicism and allure. The minimal set amplified the vaudeville vibe, while Reinking’s choreography rooted in Fosse’s slinky, precise style brought characters to life with every hip swivel and finger snap. Rotating casts, including Denise Van Outen, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Alexandra Burke, kept the production fresh, with standout numbers like "When You’re Good to Mama" and "Mr. Cellophane" showcasing its dark humor and emotional range.
Revival and Beyond
After a brief hiatus, "Chicago" returned to the West End on March 26, 2018, at the Phoenix Theatre, where it continues to run as of March 2025. This latest stint has featured stars like Mazz Murray and Josefina Gabrielle, maintaining its sleek, sexy appeal. The 2002 Oscar-winning film, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, boosted its global profile, feeding back into stage interest. International tours and productions in over 30 countries underscore its universal draw, but London remains a key home for its enduring razzmatazz.
Legacy and Cultural Resonance
"Chicago" redefined the West End musical with its biting commentary on fame, justice, and media, themes that feel as relevant today as in the 1920s. Its record-breaking run reflects a perfect storm of stellar writing, iconic choreography, and adaptable staging. Winning six Tony Awards for the 1996 revival and inspiring countless performers, it’s a cultural juggernaut. As it struts past its 25th West End year, "Chicago" proves that a little murder and a lot of jazz can keep audiences hooked, making it a glittering staple of London’s theater scene.