Hello beautiful souls, This one’s been on my musical bucket list for years, and I finally got to see Chicago The Musical! And yes, let’s clear this up: it’s not Cabaret (which I used to confuse it with). Lucky for me, Chicago was in town for just one week at the charming New Wimbledon Theatre, and I couldn’t miss the chance.
So here it is, my Chicago The Musical review from a completely fresh-eyed perspective. No spoilers here. Just jazz hands, razzle-dazzle, and a lot of musical love.
Chicago The Musical Review – First Impressions
Set against the glitzy, scandal-filled backdrop of 1920s Chicago, the story follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her lover and turns the crime into a media circus. With the help of slick lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie manipulates the press, the courtroom, and even her rival cellmate Velma Kelly to stay out of prison and stay in the spotlight.
I purposely didn’t read the plot in advance, so everything was new to me. The only thing I knew? The iconic opening number, “All That Jazz.” And wow... I wasn’t ready for how clever, sharp, and wildly entertaining the rest of the show would be.
The Music, The Movement, The Magic
Created by the powerhouse trio John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse, Chicago features one of the most sultry and iconic scores in musical theatre. From “Cell Block Tango” to “Razzle Dazzle”, every number was packed with attitude, rhythm, and biting wit.
The choreography, unmistakably Fosse, was hypnotic. The cast moved like smoke and shadows, full of jazz flair and razor-sharp timing.
The performances? Electric. Roxie and Velma owned every scene, their chemistry bringing both rivalry and wicked charm to the stage. Their hunger for fame, their twisted sisterhood, it was all a thrill to watch.
New Wimbledon Theatre – A Hidden Gem
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the New Wimbledon Theatre. It’s a beautiful venue, elegant, spacious, and yes, they have working air conditioning (a huge plus in summer!). Even though I was seated in the upper circle, the view was surprisingly great. There were even a few empty seats, so I slid over for an even better spot.
And while we’re here, Wimbledon itself is lovely. Boutique shops, cosy cafés, and pretty summer streets make it an ideal pre-theatre destination. If you’ve never explored it, consider it part of your next theatre day out.
Final Thoughts on Chicago The Musical at New Wimbledon Theatre
I’m so grateful I finally got to see Chicago. It’s bold, brilliant, and full of flair. This musical turns prison into a jazz club and courtroom drama into a showbiz spectacle, and it does it all with sass and style.
Whether you’re a seasoned musical theatre fan or just theatre-curious, Chicago The Musical is a must-see. They are touring in the summer of 2025. It’s earned every award, every ovation, and every bit of its legendary status.
If it tours near you again, don’t walk, sashay.
With love
