Chicago Liverpool Empire Theatre Review

Last night, we stepped into the glitz and glamour of 1920s Chicago at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, as the hit musical Chicago brought its dazzling mix of jazz, crime, and sensational performances to the stage. With an iconic soundtrack, spellbinding choreography, and a story filled with scandal and showbiz, this promised to be one of the best musicals in Liverpool.

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The Show

The actual performances were outstanding. I love the attention to small details in the small movements and eye rolls – Even from the upper circle of the Empire, they were easy to spot and everything so well lit and highlighted. I really didn’t expect the show to be so funny – gentle humour, so well delivered.

The singing and timing of the dances – Wow, just incredible. Very envious of those voices – Not one weaker voice between them.

What is the plot of Chicago the Musical?

I was unfamiliar with the storyline before going to watch Chicago (I know! Where have I been?) and I’m so glad. Not knowing how the story would develop definitely helped us enjoy it so I won’t give too much away.

The story is between 2 ladies, Roxie Hart & Velma Kelly as they both prepare to be on trial for murder, whilst both wanting notoriety and fame. Their lawyer, Billy Flynn is infamous for his shady ways, as is Mama Marton, who looks after the girls before trial.

The dancing

The whole reason I wanted to watch the show was for Bob Fosse’s legendary choreography. I’m a sucker for a bit of dancing and this didn’t disappoint. All the signature moves were in there, from sultry jazz sequences to sharp, synchronised routines, were flawlessly executed. I didn’t expect the more famous tunes to all be in the first half but that didn’t matter.

Is Chicago suitable for kids?

There’s no doubt that this is a steamy production. Age advice is 13+ but we did see much younger children. I’ll be forever wondering how the young boy we saw on the stairs, aged around 8, felt about the show.

The Cast

From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear we were in for a treat. Faye Brookes (Coronation Street & Dancing on Ice) was a sensational Roxie Hart. I completely forgot that Kevin Clifton was in the role of Billy Flynn – He was just so good and totally believable in role.. Velma Kelly, played by Djalenga Scott, was another stand out, delivering jaw-dropping strong vocals and perfect timing.

Stage, Set & Atmosphere

I loved the orchestra being on stage and how they were occasionally incorporated into the show. They were simply brilliant – the pianist was phenomenal.

All the favourites were in there, All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, and Razzle Dazzle to life. I’ve been singing ‘They had it coming’ ALL DAY!

Liverpool Empire – What You Need to Know

This is one of our favourite theatres – Old school glamour and so smart. I’ve sat in both stalls and the circle and there really isn’t a bad view in the house (apart from the very restricted seats in the stalls, that are clearly marked when you book). The seats are rather snug though, so don’t take a big coat if you aren’t prepared to put it on the floor under your seat.

📍 Getting There: The easiest way to get to the Liverpool Empire is by train. Liverpool Lime Street Station is just a couple of minutes walk from the theatre – You literally turn right out of the station and walk 200m down the road to get to the Empire entrance.

To get to the Liverpool Empire by car, you come either down the M62 or the A580, East Lancs Road, right into the City Centre. There are several places to park include the QPark at Queens Square or even closer, including Lime Street Station Centre Car Park. We parked in the car park right opposite The Ship & Mitre. £3 (FREE after 7.30pm).

🍷 Facilities & Drinks: The theatre has multiple bars serving drinks and snacks, with the option to pre-order interval drinks to avoid long queues. We’ve done this previously and it works so well – They put your drinks on shelves at the far end of the entrance hall. (This is also the best entrance to come in as you avoid the queues too).

We saw that the ushers were doing a roaring trade in delivering drinks in paper bags to people in their seats too. (So rude that so many people left their rubbish at the end of the show though).

🏨 Where to Stay: If you’re making a night of it, there are several nearby hotels, including The Liner Hotel (a short walk away) and The Marriott Liverpool City Centre. We’ve stayed in The Residential and The Titanic Hotel Liverpool and highly recommend both.

🍽 Nearby Dining: For cheap and cheerful pre-theatre dining, we went to The Ship & Mitre (Fish & Chips £11, Sweet & Sour Chicken Loaded Fries £7). options like The North Western (a Wetherspoons pub), The Florist, and Casa Italia offer great food just minutes from the venue.

Final Thoughts – Should You See It?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a long-time fan of the musical or experiencing it for the first time, Chicago at the Liverpool Empire is a must-see.

Chicago at Liverpool Empire – Need to Know

📅 Dates: Until Saturday 15th February 2025.
📍 Location: Liverpool Empire Theatre, 1 Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE, UK
🎟 Tickets: Available via ATG Tickets via the Liverpool Empire website.

Have you seen Chicago in Liverpool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!