Ever since the spring programme at The Alhambra Theatre was announced, I had been looking forward with anticipation to seeing the musical “Chicago.”

I am pleased to say that I was in no way disappointed with the performance I attended. This was an excellent production, very lively and vibrant throughout, with some of the best choreography I have seen for a long time.

A number of the songs in the musical are becoming well known favourites following various performances on TV of selections from the show.

The opening number, for example, is “All that Jazz” which is a great piece with which to start the show and puts the audience perfectly in the mood for what is to follow.

The story is based around two main characters, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, who have both been imprisoned for murder and who are awaiting trial. Velma is played by Twinnie-Lee Moore Her singing and choreography are both tremendous, particularly her rendition of “All that Jazz”.

The part of Roxie was played by Emma Barton, probably best known for her role of Honey Mitchell in East Enders. Superb dancing, excellent singing particularly (and quite appropriately) in “Funny Honey” and brilliant acting meant that there is no way in which her performance could be faulted.

The two girls are both being defended by Billy Flynn, a local lawyer, excellently played by Jimmy Osmond. Jimmy, the youngest of the Osmonds, will always be remembered for his novelty record “Long Haired Lover From Liverpool” in the 1970s, which reached number one in the charts. More recently he starred in ‘I’m a celebrity, Get me out of here!” on ITV. However, over the last thirty years he has also starred in a number of musicals both in the States and the UK. Jimmy’s singing ability is excellent, particularly in the number “All I care about is love” in the first half and “Razzle Dazzle” which occurs in the second half of the show.

The other principal character is Amos Hart. This is Roxie’s husband, a mild mannered character, and the part was excellently performed by Adam Stafford. His rendition of “Mister Cellophane” was superb. Comedy was added through the roles of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and Mary Sunshine played respectively by Wendy Lee Purdy and G E Weaver.

The final plaudits must go firstly to Ann Reinking, the choreographer, whose routines are out of this world. Both the female and male dancers are highly professional in their work and some of their routines were absolutely amazing. Likewise the orchestra led by Garth Hall was superb throughout.

This is a musical that will leave you humming the songs for days after you have seen it. It runs at The Alhambra in Bradford until 21st March and is one that, if possible, you should get along to see whilst it is in West Yorkshire.