Pop Singer Ashlee Simpson to Play Chicago's Roxie in London

American pop star Ashlee Simpson will make her British stage debut on September 25 when she steps into the leading role of Roxie Hart in Chicago at the West End's Cambridge Theatre. She will play the role for five weeks, to October 28.

The 21-year-old performer followed in her sister Jessica Simpson's footsteps by becoming a recording artist. Her debut album Autobiography went triple platinum. She had her own MTV series The Ashlee Simpson Show and made frequent guest appearances in the television series Malcolm in the Middle, as well as playing a continuing role in 7th Heaven. Her new album I Am Me has just been released.

The West End's Chicago continues to star Ian Kelsey as Billy Flynn, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, Julian Sims as Amos Hart and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton. Linzi Hateley, who currently stars as Roxie Hart, will leave at the end of her contract on September 23. Chicago continues to play on Broadway at the Ambassador Theatre with another pop recording artist, Usher, in the role of Billy Flynn.