Who would have thought an evening spent with a couple of conniving murderesses could be so entertaining? Having a great score definitely helped. The orchestra was set up centre stage, and at first I wondered if it would detract my attention from the actors, but there was no need for any concerns. Exits and entrances were staged from its centre, and the ten man orchestra, plus conductor, gave the show a feeling that we too were in a 1920s nightclub. The conductor was also used as a prop and an announcer to great effect.

The story, loosely based on true events in the 1920s, tells of two women who use the press, and their own prettiness to escape conviction for their crimes. It was a journalist, Maurine Watkins, who wrote the original story in 1926, after interviewing the creative, glamorous inmates.

Hayley Tamaddon played Roxie Hart, and gave a stunning performance, showing great versatility. Her facial expressions were brilliant, and the scene where she and her lawyer, Billy Flynn (John Partridge) made up the story they would tell the press was superb. The twee reporter, Mary Sunshine, played by A D Richardson, added to the scene with her great singing voice - some of the notes were so high they made my ears hurt.

Roxie's weak husband, Amos Hart (Neil Ditt) managed to win the audience's sympathy with his self-effacing performance. Velma Kelly, played by Sophie Carmen-Jones, highlighted how fickle celebrity fame really is, showing how one story is soon dropped when a more sensational one comes along. Sophie Carmen-Jones singing performance began a little too quiet, but she seemed to gain confidence as the show progressed.

The choreography was quite simply wonderful. There were no scenery changes, instead bodies and the use of dance routines set the mood. The timing was perfect, and the movements were so synchronized it was like watching one entity. At some points in the show, there was so much going on at the same time it was impossible to see it all.

The gentleman sitting next to me had already seen Chicago three times, and I could have happily watched it again, which is a testimony to how good it was. I think the content was so packed full there would be things missed in the first viewing, and maybe even the second.

If you have an opportunity to see Chicago don't hesitate. For theatre at its best, this shouldn't be missed.