If you've come to London to enjoy great theater, this production of Chicago isn't it. Having been smitten, over the years, by the quality of theatrical production here; and, having just seen the epic production of Warhorse and the off-off-off production of Ghost Stories, I was particularly enthusiastic for the live, London performance of this bawdy classic. How very, very disappointed we were. Casting strong leads who can command a role is so very important in a musical production like this, and the producers clearly got this all wrong. Velma was anything but sultry, and Roxie was (and I'm being kind) at least 10 years too old for the part perhaps never having had the looks, pipes, or emotive capability for the role. Big Mama was a lifeless, stationary stump. And frankly, the entire cast gave wooden performances, clearly disengaged from one another. No feeling, no magic, and no connection with each other or the audience. Technically excellent, they hit every note with precision . . . and a total lack of feeling that left the songs ringing hollow. The one (and only) bright point in this production was the excellent chorus; these young men and women are still on their way up, and they performed like they intended to get there. Even the playhouse was ill suited for its purpose; judging from the extremely cramped seating, I can only imagine that this old venue was built in a time when Londoners were physically much smaller than are the audiences today. We were jammed to the point of irritating discomfort before the conclusion of the second song. One doesn't mind paying a premium price for great theater. It does, however, chafe considerably when you pay West End prices, only to walk out at the interval. read more