How do you follow class acts like Cuba Gooding Jr and Martin Kemp in the role of Billy Flynn? You turn Chicago Blue, that’s how – and Duncan James will return to the part for the first time in a decade, starring from Monday 10 September.
Having originally played the part in 2008, Duncan will be donning his razzle-dazzle and legal know-how to play Flynn at London’s Phoenix Theatre. He’ll appear alongside the likes of Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart.
Duncan James as Billy Flynn in Chicago (Photo: Simon Turtle)
Duncan rose to fame as one quarter of hit boy-band Blue, going on to star most recently as Ryan in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks. He’s presented programmes including the National Lottery, Don’t Stop Believing and Soapstar Superstar, and also appeared in the West End production of Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre.
Chicago, the internationally acclaimed Kander & Ebb musical, returned to the West End in March earlier this year, having originally played in London for 15 years. It is booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 5 January 2019.
Set in prohibition Chicago, Chicago tells the story of two rival performers – and murderesses – locked up in the same County Jail, and satirises corruption within the criminal justice system. Its numerous hit songs include All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and Razzle Dazzle.