UK & Ireland Tour of Chicago: Faye Brookes, Kevin Clifton Lead Star-Studded Cast

The highly anticipated UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning musical Chicago is set to dazzle audiences once again with an electrifying cast. Leading this spectacular production are Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart and Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn, with a series of exciting performances lined up for the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, from 21st to 26th October 2024.

The return of Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart

Stage and screen actress Faye Brookes reprises her acclaimed role as Roxie Hart, having last played the part in the 2021 UK and Ireland tour of Chicago. A familiar face to British audiences, Brookes is best known for her portrayal of Kate Connor in ITV’s Coronation Street, a role that earned her a National Television Award. In addition to her soap success, Brookes boasts an impressive array of stage credits, including lead roles in Strictly Ballroom: The Musical, Shrek, and Legally Blonde. Her versatility as a performer is further demonstrated by her recent runner-up finish on ITV's Dancing on Ice.

Kevin Clifton: From Strictly to Chicago

Joining Brookes on stage is Kevin Clifton, a professional dancer who became a household name through his stint on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, where he not only competed in seven series but also reached the finals five times. Clifton's transition from the ballroom to the stage has been seamless, with notable roles in Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Rock of Ages, and The Wedding Singer. In Chicago, Clifton will portray the slick, silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn, adding to his impressive theatre resume.

Velma Kelly and other key cast members

Djalenga Scott returns to the role of Velma Kelly, Roxie’s rival and fellow inmate, after previous turns in both UK and international tours of the production. Scott’s West End experience is extensive, with standout performances in Annie, Grease, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The production also features Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine, both bringing a wealth of theatrical experience to their roles. The ensemble cast is completed by a talented team of performers including Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, and Elly Shaw, among others.

An iconic musical: Chicago’s rich history

Chicago is set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s, a time of jazz, decadence, and scandal. It follows the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and aspiring nightclub dancer who finds herself on trial for murder. In a bid to escape conviction, Roxie manipulates the media and her fellow inmate Velma Kelly, with the help of charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn. The plot, filled with twists and turns, feels as relevant today as it did when the show premiered.

Created by John Kander and Fred Ebb with legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago has become one of the longest-running musicals in both Broadway and West End history. Its sultry score features timeless hits like “Razzle Dazzle,” “Cell Block Tango,” and the iconic “All That Jazz.” To date, the show has played in 38 countries, grossing over $1.7 billion globally and attracting over 34 million theatre-goers.

Bradford tour details and special performances

The UK and Ireland tour of Chicago will run at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre from 21st to 26th October. Showtimes are scheduled for 7.30 pm, with matinee performances on Wednesday at 2 pm and Saturday at 2.30 pm. Ticket prices range from £17.75 to £54.75, with special signed, captioned, and audio-described performances also available throughout the week.

• Signed performance: Thursday, 24th October, 7.30 pm
• Captioned performance: Friday, 25th October, 7.30 pm
• Audio described performance: Saturday, 26th October, 2.30 pm

To secure tickets, visit the Bradford Theatres website or call the box office at 01274 432000.

A timeless classic with enduring appeal

Based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon since its Broadway revival in 1996. With its striking choreography, memorable music, and an all-star cast, this tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of musical theatre. Whether you're a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer to the world of Roxie and Velma, the 2024/2025 tour is a must-see event.