Preview: Oldham Coliseum, Chicago, Friday, September 13 to Saturday, October 12.
MURDER, MAYHEM and music will feature in the new and original version of this memorable show.
The theatre has been granted the first rights to produce a new take on the famous story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. The revival is the first of its kind since 1997’s West End run.
The unique production will take the hot jazz musical back to its original vaudevillian roots. The tale of these two murderesses – one a chanteuse and a tease and the other a fame-hungry showgirl – and the media furore surrounding them in 1920s Chicago has become synonymous with musical theatre.
Its popularity even spawned big-screen Hollywood success in the 2002 movie starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger.
Director Kevin Shaw said Oldham Coliseum was the ideal setting for this reimagining of Chicago, adding: “The show could almost have been written with the Coliseum stage in mind.
“The theatre is typical of a venue that would have welcomed a performing troupe of the kind that features in Chicago. It’s set to be a uniquely intimate musical with the audience right on top of the action.”
The original show was based on each of the now-famous songs being modelled upon a traditional cabaret style which leant itself to the tale being told through the incredible soundtrack featuring ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Razzle Dazzle’, and ‘Mister Cellophane’ among other favourites.
Tickets can be booked on 0161 624 2829 or at www.coliseum.org.uk
Preview: The Bubbler, The Swan Inn Dobcross: Wednesday, September 4, 8.30pm (Doors open 7.30pm).
THIS SELL-OUT comic tale, written by Cathy Crabb and directed by Ben Power, is performed by Neil Bell and Daniel Street-Brown, and tells of the good, the bad… and the barman.
Appropriately, it’s set in a pub bar and the audience will hear first-hand an embittered customer’s tale of self-pity and hatred versus kindness and grace.
Inspired by the Manchester riots and lootings of 2011, the play takes influence from Milton’s Paradise Lost. Nominated for a Manchester Theatre Award 2013 for best fringe production, the play has gained critical acclaim.
The room upstairs at The Swan is the ideal ‘real-life’ stage set, and seating for the play will be at tables pub-style.
The audience is invited to arrive early and ‘Paul the barman’ (Daniel Street-Brown) will serve you drinks. You can enjoy the pleasant atmosphere… until the arrival of Peter (Neil Bell).
Note: the play contains vulgar language and fanciful ideas.
A review of the play will be carried in The Independent’s October edition.
