Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Member since:22.10.2000
Reviews:425
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Visiting London recently prior to making our way to Berkshire to exchange Christmas presents with friends, we stayed in the Strand Palace Hotel, as seems the normal for us recently.
Coming home from a walk to St James’s Park, we passed the Adelphi theatre, which we had passed on several occasions before but never paid much attention. However this time was different and something caught our eye. Standing on the door step of the theatre discussing whether to watch it or not, we finally opted to go with our impulse and go into the box office.
No queues at all, just wished everywhere was like this. At the box office I was served by a young man who I could hardly understand, with English obviously not being his mother tongue. However we muddled through I chose some seats in the stalls, at the end of an aisle about half way down the theatre. Now came for the shock-paying! Each ticket was £40, making a total of £80 for the pair I had just chosen to purchase for the following night.
Thursday evening came and I decided that as the theatre was literally next door but one to our hotel I would walk,
the short distance, rather than rely on the wheelchair.
Arriving at the theatre in plenty of time – despite my rather slow walking, we were ushered to our seat but some very courteous staff.
The leg room in the seat was limited and not ideal, but it was larger than other theatres I have been to, namely the Aldwych. The seat was comfortable enough and being on the end I was able to stretch my legs into the aisle a bit for extra comfort.
Stars:
FRANCES RUFFELLE plays Roxie Hart, Frances starred in Sky One’s dream team, and also in the cult TV show Headless. She has also starred in the bill, and numerous other projects.
TIFFANY GRAVES plays Velma Kelly, Tiffany has starred in ‘a night of a thousand voices’, and appeared in an audience with Tony Hatch, and the film De-Lovely.
GABY ROSLIN plays big mama, Gaby is probably best known of the stars and has hosted BBC’s children in need for several years with Terry Wogan, she has also done celebrity wheelchair challenge,, the big breakfast, city hospital, and presently stars with Terry Wogan on the Terry and Gaby show (produced by Chris Evans) on C5
ALEX BOURNE plays Billy Flynn, and has played Danny Zuko in Grease, Gaston in Beauty and the beast, and Buddy Holly in Buddy.
PAUL BAKER plays Amos Hart and has also been in Les Miserables
There is also numerous other singers and dancers, who add to the storyline.
THE STORYLINE:
Without giving too much away Chicago is set in the American city of the same name, in the 1930s. Velma is accused of killing her husband, while Roxie is accused of killing her ‘lover’. The tale takes you inside the prison where we meet Mama who is one of the bentest prison wardens ever. In these times headline grabbers are stars, and murderers get headlines.
The story unfolds into a highly entertaining story with plenty of songs to keep your interest. Razzle dazzle em to name just one of the excellently performed songs in the show.
THE ACTING:
With the exception of Gaby the acting was excellent; Gaby on the other hand seemed wooden and uninteresting-maybe nervous. Her singing was tolerable though we were lucky not to have to endue too much of that.
The rest of the cast played their parts with enthuse and Roxie’s husband (Paul Baker) got all the sympathy votes with his performance.
THE SETTING:
This was one slightly disappointing feature of an otherwise excellent show. The stage was basically simply a pit for the orchestra, with the performers having to perform around the orchestra box that was the main part of the stage. Was the orchestra vital to the storyline, was they essential to the plot? No, they were only really essential to provide the music.
DISABELD ACCESS:
As a disabled traveller myself, I didn’t see any signs actually at the showing of anything to suggest that disabled people are welcome. I found no disabled toilets, no obvious wheelchair spaces, and certainly no ‘extra’ help from staff.
However, upon examination of the theatre guide, I found the state the theatre IS suitable for wheelchair users, and they do have allocated spaces.
At the front of the theatre there is a rather large step, which might be difficult to get over with a wheelchair. However, once inside the theatre the stalls are easily accessible on ground floor. I am not sure whether there is a lift if you want cheaper seats, but certainly an arguable point for cheaper stall seats if there isn’t.
At The prince Edward theatre I was given a ‘box’ at no extra cost, AND was brought refreshments during the break for the price of them only. That was disabled help at its best, and how others should be.
~~Overall~~
I would highly recommend Chicago the musical, it is thoroughly enjoyable and despite just a few hiccups the show was brilliant. The seats were full at my showing, and everyone appeared to enjoy it, with not one word of complaint issued within the sounds of my ears.
The show has no violence and is probably suitable for most ages that are old enough to enjoy theatre shows.
The theatre does offer cheaper seats, though they would be in the circles, and I’m not sure whether there is a lift to upper floors.
There are people in costumes of little fabirc, plenty of stockings and suspenders for the ladies of the show, while the men are usually top less.
Highly recommended; although disabled people should enquire first.
Great review, sounds like a great show, have a happy Christmas and new year, Heatherx
KarenUK 17.12.2003 01:13
I'd really like to see this! Frances Ruffelle sang as the GB entry in the Eurovision a few years ago & her mum is Sylvia Young (as in the theatre school).
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