If you’re an Academy Award-winner looking to make your West End debut, best to do it with as much Razzle Dazzle as you can – and from the looks of Cuba Gooding Jr, alongside Ruthie Henshall, Sarah Soetaert, Josefina Gabrielle and co., the returning Chicago possesses no shortage of pizzazz.
The Boyz N The Hood, The People v O. J. Simpson and Jerry Maguire (Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor) star Gooding Jr leads the cast as the silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn, while Henshall has been cast as the corrupt Mama Morton, having previously been Olivier Award-nominated for her role as Roxie Hart in 1998. They’re joined by Sarah Soetaert (who played Roxie in Chicago’s last West End run) as Hart, and Josefina Gabrielle (who also played Roxie) as Velma Kelly.
Following a successful UK and international tour, and a five-and-a-half year absence from London, Chicago returns to London’s West End next week, as performances begin at the Phoenix Theatre on Monday (26 March).
And All That Jazz adds up to what’s looking like an incredible show, from the looks of this first rehearsal footage and first snaps (all photos by Tristram Kenton). Take a look below.
The cast in rehearsals for Chicago (Photo: Tristram Kenton)
Chris Warner Drake, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Sarah Soetaert in rehearsals
Todd Talbot, Sarah Soetaert and Francis Foreman in rehearsals
Chicago, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
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. Expect sexy, sassy and dangerously seductive songs, dance and events to unfold.
Sarah Soetaert, Cuba Gooding Jr and Michelle Antrobus in rehearsals for Chicago (Photo: Tristram Kenton)
Cuba Gooding Jr, Sarah Soetaert and company in rehearsals
Ruthie Henshall and Tania Nardini in rehearsals
Book your Chicago tickets today!