Chicago

Chicago is coming to the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 April, as part of the venue's 2027 theatre season. It's the musical you've probably heard of even if you've never seen it, and it's one of the big names on the Pavilion's calendar for the year.

The story follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and dance-hall girl who kills her lover and ends up in jail, where she meets her cellmate Velma Kelly. Both are fighting for the attention of the press and the public, and the whole thing plays out against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. It's a world of jazz, fame, and the kind of courtroom drama that's more about the show than the truth.

Behind it are John Kander and Fred Ebb, who wrote the music and lyrics, with choreography by Bob Fosse. If you're familiar with the show, you'll recognise the songs that have become its hallmarks: 'Razzle Dazzle', 'Cell Block Tango', and 'All That Jazz'. Metro once called it 'the sexiest musical ever', and that gives you a fair idea of the tone it's aiming for.

It's recommended for ages 12 and up, so it works for adults and younger theatre-goers alike. Tickets start at £22, and there are a few discounts worth knowing about if you're booking for a group or a specific age bracket. Under-16s and over-60s get £4 off in bands A, B, and C from Monday to Thursday. If you're bringing a group, there's £6 off for ten or more people and £8 off for twenty or more, also on those Monday-to-Thursday dates. Performances run from 19:30 and 23:00, so you can pick the time that suits you best.