Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre combine slickness and sass in an opening night production of Chicago which thoroughly deserved its standing ovation.

Production values are sky high in this teen edition performance of the much-loved musical about celebrity and women getting away with murder. Directed by Richard Poynton, a talented young cast rise to the range of considerable challenges posed by staging this big Broadway musical: vocals, choreography, staging and music are all impressively professional.

Chicago is loved by audiences for many reasons but the music has to be the main attraction. Under Oliver Rowe’s musical direction, a live orchestra on stage bring John Kander’s jazz score perfectly to life. From the instrumental overture and the opening strains of ‘All That Jazz’, we know we are in safe hands.

Kathryn Whetter and Beth Winspear are perfectly cast as the two rival murderesses at the centre of the story, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart. Kathryn Whetter’s Velma Kelly, a nightclub star awaiting trial for the murder of her husband and sister, is wonderfully sassy throughout. Her stunning vocal performance in the opening number sets the standard for the rest of the show and she is delightfully desperate in her rendition of ‘I Can’t Do It Alone’ towards the end of the first act.

Beth Winspear transitions convincingly from feigned wide-eyed ‘innocence’ to fame-seeking ruthless ambition as chorus girl Roxie Hart, who is awaiting trial for shooting her lover. As rivalry for the media spotlight intensifies, an excellent chemistry develops between the two leading celebrity-obsessed inmates, culminating in a winning performance of ‘Nowadays’ at the end of the show.

Sporting a silver screen smile, Zach Andrews is also perfectly cast as the smooth-talking corrupt lawyer Billy Flynn. He is a sequin-jacketed delight in ‘All I Care About Is Love’, one of many numbers in which the ensemble fill the stage in Jessica Bennett’s Fosse-inspired choreography. ‘We Both Reached For The Gun’, the famous number in which Billy concocts Roxie’s grounds for murder, is brilliantly executed.

James Williams cuts a pitiable figure as Roxie’s husband Amos, a grey cardiganed dupe whose love for his wife blinds him to her shallowness. His rendition of ‘Mister Cellophane’ is beautifully understated and moving: he certainly won the hearts of the opening night audience. Grace Taylor’s Mamma Morton, the prison matriarch who fleeces her flock for all she can, is a commanding presence throughout, nailing her early big number ‘When You’re Good To Mama’.

There’s excellent support across the large and talented ensemble, notably Emerson Clarke-Selby in drag as Mary Sunshine and Susie Catterall, Jenna Morley, Izzie Snape, Maiya Ogden and Evelyn Maymand as the ‘Merry Murderesses’ awaiting their trials. A slick performance of ‘Cell Block Tango’ provides the visual highlight of the night as they strike poses in a line of spotlights.

There’s no shortage of ambition in the choice to stage this hit show and it pays off. It looks and sounds terrific. What an incredible showcase for the talent and commitment of Lichfield’s young people. A criminally good night out – highly recommended.

‘Chicago’ is playing at Lichfield’s Garrick Theatre from 17^th to 21^st September 2024.