Review ~ Chicago the Musical at Wales Millennium Centre

Let me just say: I’ve never wanted to join a dance troupe and buy new underwear more in my life. Chicago the Musical at the Wales Millennium Centre is raunchy, jazzy, fast-paced and if you loved the film. You're gonna love this.

I’ve watched the film at least 13 times and learned every beat of "He Had It Coming" like my GCSEs depended on it.) So, yes, we went in with high hopes, and somehow it exceeded them.

The plot? 1920s murder, manipulation and media spin. Roxie kills her lover, hires a slick lawyer and turns it into a fame fest. Wildly relevant in 2025.

All That Jazz

The Strictly Star Who Stole the Show

In her musical theatre debut, Janette Manrara (yes, from Strictly Come Dancing) struts onto the Cardiff stage as Roxie Hart, and it's like she’s been waiting her whole life for this role. I knew she could dance, but sing? She’s got the most gorgeous, sassy, slightly breathy Roxie voice. Think sugar and steel. Absolute razzle dazzle.

Janette said it herself: “This is a dream come true!” And you can feel it. She's sharp, cheeky, and utterly magnetic. If you’re wondering whether a TV presenter can carry a musical, wonder no more. She absolutely can.

Mama Brenda and the Bangers

Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton? LEGEND. That voice could knock the roof off the Millennium Centre and make it land perfectly in tune. When she belted out "When You’re Good to Mama," I nearly stood up and threw my programme like it was a bouquet.

They didn't save the big songs till the end either, oh no, we were hit with All That Jazz and Cell Block Tango within minutes. It’s not like a gig where you wait two hours for the hits. This show STARTS with them.

And those moves. The pace. The fishnets. The full-on Fosse. This show doesn’t tiptoe around anything. It leans in. Hard. And I loved that the band were right there on stage, part of the story, not tucked away in the pit. It added to the cabaret vibe, and they were brilliant.

I’ve got to say, nothing beats live theatre. It's proper escapism. For a couple of hours, you forget your emails, your laundry, your general existential scrolling. You’re transported into 1920s Chicago, with sequins, saxophones and sensational criminal lawyers.

And the cast! So good to see local Welsh actors on stage, absolutely smashing it. And then there’s Arni (Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart) sweet, loveable Arni. At first I was like, c’mon lad, bring some oomph, but five minutes later I was planning our Sunday roast and Antiques Roadshow night. He’s lush and super cute.

Verdict

If you’re like me, with a growing list of shows you’re desperate to see but never actually make time for, treat yourself. Seriously. It’s cheaper than therapy and a lot more fun. Chicago is everything you want from a musical: it’s sexy, funny, cynical, and packed with absolute bangers.

Book your tickets now, because this one’s selling faster than you can say “Pop. Six. Squish.”

How to Book

Chicago the Musical is at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff from Monday 5 – Saturday 10 May 2025.

Grab your seats here: www.wmc.org.uk

Or just Google “Chicago musical Cardiff” and follow the trail of jazz hands.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to find a feather boa and learn the Fosse walk.

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