West End Production of Chicago Sets Closing Date After 15-Year Run

Chicago, the longest running revival to ever play the West End, will close at London’s Garrick Theatre on September 15 after a record-breaking 15-year run. The show originally opened at the Adelphi Theatre on November 18, 1997 and later transfered to the Cambridge Theater before moving to its current home in November 2011.

“Bringing Chicago to the West End was a pivotal moment in Fran’s and my career,” said lead producer Barry Weissler in a statement. “Running 15 years has been a dream come true. We may be taking our ‘parting shots’ for now, but the 'Razzle Dazzle' will never fade!”

Set in the 1920s, Chicago follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover. Desperate to avoid conviction, she hires Billy Flynn, Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer, much to the dismay of her rival cellmate Velma Kelly. Directed by Walter Bobbie, the Tony-winning revival continues to run on Broadway in its 16th year.


The original cast of the London production of Chicago featured Ruthie Henshall, Ute Lemper, Henry Goodman and Nigel Planer. During the show's West End run many notable actors have appeared in the production including Alison Moyet, America Ferrera, Anita Dobson, Aoife Mulholland, Ashlee Simpson, Bonnie Langford, Brooke Shields, Chita Rivera, Christie Brinkley, Claire Sweeney, Clive Rowe, Darius Danesh, David Hasselhoff, Denise Van Outen, Gaby Roslin, Ian Kelsey, Jennifer Ellison, Jill Halfpenny, Joel Grey, John Barrowman, Kelly Osbourne, Kevin Richardson, Leigh Zimmerman, Les Denis, Lynda Carter, Maria Friedman, Marti Pellow, Michael French, Michael Greco, Michelle Williams, Peter Davison, Raza Jaffrey, Sacha Distel, Tina Arena and Tony Hadley.