Sponsored by
Theatre Review: Chicago, The Alhambra, Bradford
WHEN it comes to this sassy musical a precedent has been set by subsequent casting directors, one which dictates that virtually every lead role should be played by some kind of name.
Bad idea.
This latest version of Chicago illustrates why this will all too often result in hiring a famous face in place of someone who is a much better singer, dancer and, most importantly, a better actor.
Thus we have Ali Bastion, an ex-Hollyoaks star, trying to tackle the huge role that is Roxie Hart with only a limited singing range and equally limited oomph.
Then there’s the sight of Bernie Nolan appearing in the incongruous surroundings of a steamy show, looking like Bernie Nolan appearing in the incongruous surroundings of a steamy show.
More successful is former Coronation Street star Tupele Dorgu as Velma Kelly, who has the voice and moves and delivers them with gusto. And, to be fair to Stefan Booth, who grapples with the major part that is Billy Flynn, he does a reasonable job.
But it just doesn’t feel like Chicago. This production is only saved by the glitzy set, superb direction and the omnipresence of a band.
But the cast? No. This feels more like the opening rounds of Soapstar Superstar.
Even the backing dancers, as great as they are at dancing, aren’t quite the finely honed specimens of beauty we’re used to seeing in previous productions (whether this is a good or bad thing depends on your point of view).
Either way this isn’t anywhere near as good a version as any of the previous Chicago’s performed beyond the M25.
We’d rather see nobodies command centre stage than watch a few minor celebrities try and fail.
To Saturday, The Alhambra, Morley Street, Bradford, 5pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm, £14.50 to £35 Tel. 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
Rod McPhee
Email to a friend
Print this page- Politics: Mark Hookham's Westminster blog - 5.33pm
- Castleford RSPB Fairburn Ings: High wire act Swallows’ summer parade
- Worker dies on North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Video: Restaurant reopens on Leeds Harry Ramsden’s site after £500,000 refit
- Chocolat author will tempt guests at Leeds Big Bookend Festival
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.