Musical theatre star Alexandra Burke will join the West End cast of Chicago next month, taking on the role of Roxie Hart.
She will join the cast from Monday 13 August through to Saturday 14 October, initially performing alongside Martin Kemp, who plays Billy Flynn until 1 September.
Chicago currently stars Sarah Soetaert as Roxie, alongside Mazz Murray as Mama Morton, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly and Paul Rider as Amos Hart.
Martin Kemp and Mazz Murray in Chicago
Burke’s casting follows her recent star turn in the London Coliseum revival of Chess. She has also played Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard (West End and touring) and Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act (UK Tour).
Burke initially rose to fame as the 2008 winner of The X Factor; her winner’s single, Hallelujah, went on to be crowned the top-selling single of 2008 and sold over 1 million copies in the UK alone. Last year, she was a finalist in Strictly Come Dancing.
The multi award-winning Kander & Ebb musical Chicago returned to the West End in March earlier this year, and is booking until 5 January 2019.
Set in prohibition Chicago, the show tells the story of two rival performers – and murderesses – locked up in the same County Jail, and satirises corruption within the criminal justice system.
Chicago is also participating in Kids Week; throughout August, a child aged 16 or under can go free when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Adults can also purchase up to two extra children’s tickets at half price, and there are no booking fees to pay.